CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN

On May 8, the Government of Saint Lucia presented a series of regulations permitting alcohol sales on the island. El Salvador has included the alcohol industry among those sectors still not allowed to operate. Finally, Guatemala extended its social distancing measures. Below are details on these developments.: 

Saint Lucia

The Executive branch presented Statutory Instrument No. 68, restoring liquor licenses to allow alcoholic beverages to be sold as of May 8, following their suspension on March 30 in the framework of the COVID-19 pandemic. This activity will be governed by strict protocols, and no loitering, assembling, socializing will be allowed on the premises where alcohol is sold and purchased, while alcohol may only be sold between the hours of 7:00 am and 6:00 pm. 

El Salvador

The President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, issued decree 24 modifying the guidelines regulating the quarantine established by decree 22. According to the new decree, the alcoholic beverage industry must suspend operations until further notice. Restaurants are also obliged to suspend “take away” sales, and may only offer services through home delivery. The regulation is already in effect and will be in force until May 22, 2020. 

One of the measures being contemplated at this stage involves limiting the number of outings to purchase food and basic supplies to twice a week. Citizens may leave their homes on specific days according to the last numbers on their identity card. The Executive also affirmed that pharmacies and supermarkets will be allowed to operate normally, while public transport may only be used by workers on duty in essential sectors such as health and safety.

Guatemala

The Guatemalan Executive branch decided to broaden current presidential provisions until next Monday, May 18, and extend the State of Public Calamity for another 30 days. This means that current social distancing measures and the evening curfew will continue, as will restrictions on public transport and the border closures. The new deadline is already in force.