The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), on Tuesday, ordered the closure of all of the island’s cays, except for Morant and Pedro Cays, until February 1.

According to ODPEM, the closure will take effect immediately and the measure is to assist in the minimisation of the spread of COVID-19.

The government agency said the decision was taken after consultation with the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Desmond McKenzie, the Minister of National Security, Dr Horace Chang and the Municipal Corporations.

ODPEM said no activities should be taking place on the cays during the closure and the Jamaica Defence Force’s Coast Guard and the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Marine Police will rigorously monitor them.