Premier David Burt announced today that the unemployment benefits scheme that was due to expire on June 25, will be extended for one month as the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Speaking at the latest briefing this evening, he said: “We have seen more of our friends and neighbours economically displaced by this pandemic returning to work and more of our businesses adapting, innovating and reopening.
“We have come far and yet we must never forget the people who have lost their lives and we must never forget the people who are out of work.
“If all goes well,” he said the island could quite possibly move to Phase 4 of reopening on July 1, as joint efforts with local companies continue to get people back to work.”
Meanwhile, Health Minister Kim Wilson said all 71 of the latest batch of test results tested negative for COVID-19, marking the 11th consecutive day with no new cases.
There are currently 141 confirmed cases on island, with five active cases.
Only one patient is in hospital battling this virus and they are not in critical care.
To date, a total of 127 people have fully recovered from the coronavirus. The number of deaths remains at nine.
The Minister also announced that “convenient pop-up testing” sites will be set up at The Marketplace stores around the island throughout the month of June.
We’ll have more in subsequent reports.
- Top Feature Photo: File Photo Courtesy of TNN
