Cultural activities for Emancipation must follow ‘COVID’ guidelines but soirees and fetes prohibited  

A number of cultural activities for the observance of Emancipation Day on Sunday have been permitted by the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF).

The activities that have been approved include exhibitions and cultural displays, symposia, bonfires, libation ceremonies, rituals and church services.

Importantly, however, libation ceremonies must be concluded by 22:30 hrs and all of the activities must observe COVID-19 protocols.

The Task Force, in an advisory on Friday, stated that face masks must be worn at all times and that social distancing must be maintained.

People have been encouraged to observe Emancipation Day activities within their houses, church groups and cultural organisations.

Large activities including concerts, soirees, live shows, wet fetes, private parties and limes are prohibited, according to the advisory.

It was noted that members of the joint services will be conducting patrols to aggressively enforce the guidelines.