The Public Health Regulations will be amended to reduce, once more, the number of people allowed to gather in public spaces, from groups of 25 to 10.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, during a press conference on Friday afternoon. 

The change comes as reaction to an increase in local cases of COVID-19.

On Friday morning, five new cases of the virus were recorded, two of which are pending epidemiological investigation.

There are currently 169 confirmed cases of the virus to date- 27 of those cases were recorded within the past week.

In addition to the reduction in numbers for gatherings, the Prime Minister has instructed the Public Service to go back on rotation for the next 1 days, to have 50% of the workforce out at any given time.

While some of the recent cases were contracted in spaces such as bars, according to the Prime Minister, no decision will be taken at this time, to reinforce lockdown measures on these businesses. 

Dr. Rowley said this is to “balance the risks and rewards”

He also urged political parties to adhere to the new regulations, particularly as it relates to gathering in groups, noting that the virus is no respecter of “race, colour, or political preference”.

Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) preparation examinations will also continue at this time, and will be amended in future, if need be, Dr. Rowley said.