The Caribbean island nation of Barbados will return to a two-week lockdown next Wednesday, which includes wearing a face mask in all public places, as part of an initiative to curtail a rise in COVID-19 cases.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced Tuesday night that from February 3 to February 17, a 7:00 pm to 6:00 am curfew will be in effect.
She also announced that the country had confirmed three cases of the easily spread British strain of the virus.
Motley said the rise in COVID-19 cases coupled with the deaths of three elderly people within a week prompted her to bring back the restrictions.
Essential businesses such as supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations will continue to operate during the lockdown.
Supermarkets will only open from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday through Friday during the lockdown.
All other businesses, including bars, restaurants and gyms will close during the lockdown. Banks are excepted, shutting down for just six days, February 3 to 9.
Barbados has recorded more than 1,400 COVID-19 infections and 10 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University COVID Resource Center.
