Barbados has reopened for business after almost three months of lock-down. The lock-down was implemented by the Barbados government to stem the spread of the novel Coronavirus, COVID-19.
As of June 15, 2020, essentially all businesses across the various sectors were given the green light to reopen their establishments and restart operations, which in turn will assist with kick starting the economy.
Most Barbadians, who were eager to return to work, were relieved to hear the welcome announcement from Prime Minister, the Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, Q.C., M.P., who indicated that based on public health recommendations, the decision was made to reopen the country, while continuing to adhere to strict health and safety protocols.
The Grantley Adams International Airport, facilitates daily scheduled flights to major international cities, and serves as a hub for Caribbean islands. Commercial air traffic is scheduled to resume from July.
In April 2020, Prime Minister Mottley, who is also Chairman of the Caribbean Community, was praised by World Health Organisation's Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, for her strong leadership in steering the COVID-19 response in the Caribbean. Additionally, it was noted by Barbados' COVID Czar Richard Carter at the end of May, that Barbados had successfully flattened the curve of the virus due to the measures implemented by the Government to protect the quality of life for Barbadians.
Barbados recorded its first two COVID-19 cases on March 16. The total number of positive cases stands at 97, with 85 persons having recovered and seven deaths recorded.