Under the new arrangement that comes with the extended curfew, now scheduled to end on May 3, Barbadians are allotted specific days and times for transacting business at supermarkets, fish markets, hardware stores and banks.
These are set out in the various segments of the shopping schedule, currently in circulation on all media platforms, as alluded to by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley during her address to the nation, last night, when she announced the extension of the curfew.
Persons with the surname A and B may transact business on Mondays, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m., and again on Fridays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
The day for their banking is Monday, between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Those with surnames beginning with letters C, D, E, and F will do so on Wednesdays, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m., and again on Saturdays, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
The day for their banking is Wednesday between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Shoppers with surnames that start with letters G, H, I, J and K may do so on Mondays, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.; and again on Thursdays, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Their banking day is Thursday, between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
For surnames beginning with letters L, M, N, O, P, Q and R, these individuals will be allowed to shop on Tuesdays, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and again on Fridays, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
These individuals get to do their banking transactions on Fridays, between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Persons with the surnames beginning with letters S, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z will have the opportunity to shop on Wednesdays, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., and on Saturdays, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Their day to do banking transactions is Wednesday, between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Seniors and the disabled will be given the opportunity on Sundays, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., and again on Tuesdays, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Their day for banking is Tuesday, between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Healthcare and other essential workers will shop on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and on Thursdays, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
The day for banking is Thursday, between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Additionally, there are rules to observe, which include observing the physical distancing rule of a minimum of six feet or two metres apart. Shoppers are also advised to carry their National Identification Card, Driving Licence or Passport, as they will have to show some form of picture identification, before entering the premises of these businesses.
It is also strongly recommended that they wear a cloth face mask in public; bring a shopping list of the essential items needed to ensure a speedy shopping experience and have an umbrella and drinking water “in case of a long wait”.
Shoppers are urged to note that the number of persons allowed in each store at a time is:
75 in the mega supermarkets; 50 in the large; and 25 in the smaller ones. They are further asked to be patient.
Moreover, persons who feel ill or think they may have COVID-19 are reminded not to go out in public, and to call the hotline 536-4500.
joy-ann.gill@barbados.gov.bb
