THE Government is reviewing its decision to reopen Jamaica's rivers and beaches for public use, after finding “flagrant and repeated” breaches of the COVID-19 protocols to minimise the risk of spreading the novel coronavirus.
McKenzie, in a statement to the House of Representatives, said that his ministry has receive detailed reports, and has witnessed “flagrant and repeated” breaches of the critical protocols by large numbers of beach and river-goers.
The Government allowed a phased reopening of beaches and rivers effective Sunday, June 7, allowing people to visit public beaches licensed under the Beach Control Act during the operating hours of 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, and rivers from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.
McKenzie said then that the relaxation of the restrictions on the beaches and rivers would remain in place for 14 days, after which there would be a review.
He told the House that the Social Development Commission (SDC), which falls under his ministry, had been observing activities at 58 beaches and 65 rivers over the last two weeks.
