The island-wide COVID 19 curfew time, has been tightened by 2 hours, which means effective Wednesday, February 10, the curfew will begin at 8  each evening and end at 5 each morning.

The new time will be in effect for 2 weeks.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness made the announcement in the lower house Tuesday afternoon.

Mr. Holness also responded to concerns raised by the opposition about the effectiveness of the curfew. He said the intention is not to curtail business operations, but the curfews are effective because they filter non-productive activities.

The government will monitor the effects of the curfew over the next 2 weeks to see if the COVID numbers reduce, at which point a determination will be made as to whether or not the 8 pm time will remain or be reverted to 9 or 10 pm.

In the meantime, the government has also adjusted the gathering limit from 15, to 10. Mr. Holness said the COVID prevention measure applies to public spaces.

He said the police will be enforcing the restrictions on gatherings.