The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries is advising that public gardens under its control are now open with effect from June 17. These are Castleton Botanical Gardens in St Mary, Cinchona Botanical Gardens in St Andrew, Bath Botanical in St Thomas, and Hope Botanical Gardens as well as Hope Zoo in Kingston. The opening follows a declaration made last Friday by Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness that all zoos, theme parks and river rafting activities can resume operations. Public Gardens Superintendent, Shanae Marks Bryan, explained that patrons must observe the protocols established by the government for management of the COVID-19 pandemic.This includes the wearing of masks, maintaining a social distance of 6ft, sanitizing of hands and being in groups of no more than 10 persons.
Mrs. Marks Bryan noted that entry into each garden will be controlled with patrons being subjected to a temperature check, which should not exceed 38 degrees Celsius. Hand sanitation dispensers have also been mounted at specific locations of each garden to safeguard patrons during their visit.
-30-
