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Nightly closure order for gas stations

Published:Saturday | April 4, 2020 | 9:44 AM
Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, addressing a digital press conference at Jamaica House on April 3, 2020 - Contributed photo

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says that no gas station should remain open beyond 8:00 p.m. in keeping with the nightly islandwide curfew currently in place.

“We are now going to specifically prohibit the opening of gas stations starting tonight at 8:00 p.m.,” he said during a digital press conference at Jamaica House on Friday.

The curfew, which was announced by Holne3ss on March 30, is part of measures by the Government to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Holness noted that the restriction being placed on the opening hours of gas stations is prudent given the challenges being faced by the police in enforcing the curfew orders at these establishments.

“Under the current orders, it is possible for gas stations to remain open, but they are now being used as a gathering place and a potential launching pad for any form of disorder.

“It really distracts the police because they now have to be focusing on gas stations when they should be focusing on other areas,” he said.

He, therefore, advised motorists to make arrangements to fill their tanks before 8:00 p.m.

The curfew, which began on Wednesday, will be in place for a period of seven days, running from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Under the measure, there are restrictions on all movement with some exemptions for specific categories of persons.

There are also restrictions on public transportation.

- JIS News

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