The Opposition United National Congress has hit the new lockdown measures unveiled by government today, saying it’s being imposed without a catering plan for businesses and employees who will feel the brunt of the economic fallout.

Under new measures, which come into effect at midnight on Thursday, restaurants, bars, malls, places of worship, gyms, spas, hair salons, casinos, cinemas and theatres will remain closed until May 23rd.

The public service will operate on essential service only. Limited flights will be available to Tobago and the sea bridge will operate at 25% capacity.

In a statement on Thursday evening, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar said: “The Prime Minister has said once again that the country has no money and therefore is unable to provide any support to businesses and individuals who would suffer in the coming weeks due to the economic impacts of these measures.”

She said while there is a pertinent need to do all it takes to protect the lives and wellbeing of our citizens, this must be done while also protecting their ability to put food on their tables. 

She further criticised what she referred to as the PM’s blaming of citizens for the current spike in cases.

“One would have thought that the Prime Minister, after having just recovered from COVID-19, would have had a different approach to the rise in cases today.  Instead, in his usual style, he came to blame citizens for the recent spike, conveniently  forgetting that he recently had a rampage in Tobago where he eventually contracted the virus,” she said.