Governor increases social gatherings to 10 people, retailers can operate at 50%

 

Because we've all been doing our part to contain COVID-19, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, in a special video message released on social media, announced the further easing of restrictions.

"Last month, I asked you to 'Strive for Five'," said the island's chief executive in a Facebook Live stream. And the community in the past couple of weeks not only got the CAR Score down to five but even below to where it is today at 1.6.

"After meeting with the Physicians Advisory Group and the State Surgeon Cell, and after serious consideration, we will be easing a few restrictions as we head into the holiday season.  Effective Tuesday, December 15 at 8am, the following restrictions will be relaxed:

Social gatherings will be increased to 10 persons.  Religious ceremonies occurring indoors may operate at 50% of the facility's occupancy.  Retail may operate at 50% of the facility's occupancy.  And diners enjoying outdoor dining may sit at tables not to exceed 10 persons," she detailed.

 

What will continue to be prohibited from opening are bars and the ban on indoor dining will remain in place. "While some may say the lifting of these restrictions is too conservative - far slower than what we'd all like, I am heeding the counsel of our experts and our federal partners, who warn that because COVID cases are surging across the United States, emergency resources may not be there for everyone who needs them in the event of a third wave," Leon Guerrero continued.

The governor adds that other restrictions may be lifted if we continue to sustain our CAR Score, but we must continue on a steady pace and not celebrate too early. "Victory laps come at the end of the race-and we have sacrificed too much to start over," she said.

Everyone is encouraged not to let their guard down because we are not out of the woods.

"With the holidays upon us, it is important that, as we celebrate, we do not lose sight of all that we have lost, that we recognize our responsibility to keep each other safe, and that we continue to exercise caution and behave with the understanding that momentarily lapses in our better judgment can hurt the ones we love," she said.