In addition to what has been dubbed a super-spreader bus crawl which led to 45 persons testing positive for Covid-19 in Barbados since Boxing Day, 161 cases have been recorded in relation to the prison system. 

The confirmation came from Chairman of the Cabinet COVID Sub-Committee in Barbados, Senator Dr Jerome Walcott, during a press briefing on Saturday.

Dr. Walcott revealed that officials were now monitoring the cases and insisted there was no need for panic at this time. 

As a precautionary measure, however, a string of measures have been announced to mitigate any further spread, including an extension of the existing curfew to 9pm-5am until January 14th. 

The only exemption from curfew will be businesses including gas stations, hotels and villas, and manufacturing accommodations, which will all be allowed to operate 24/7

Activities such as limes, bus crawls, excursions, karaoke and social gatherings are completely banned. 

Churches, mosques and other places of worship are to revert to virtual services where possible with immediate effect.