The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has announced that all government offices, except those providing essential services, will be closed at midday on Tuesday as Jamaica prepares for Hurricane Beryl.

It is urging Jamaicans to use the time to prepare for the storm by securing their property and getting relevant items to last up to three days or until the hurricane passes.

The OPM notes that the National Hurricane Centre has advised that the system remains a category five hurricane.

Several banks, including the National Commercial Bank, CIBC, Scotiabank and Jamaica National have also announced early closures.

The Jamaica Public Service Company has also announced it's closing its customer service offices at noon.

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