Jamaica is set to impose a nightly islandwide curfew from April 1-8 as the government seeks to limit the spread of COVID-19.

In making the announcement on Monday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the measure will run from 8pm to 6am.

The Gleaner reports: “This means there will be restrictions on public transportation and all movements except where exempted.

“Meanwhile, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton indicated that Jamaica now has 36 confirmed cases of the virus.

“And Tufton reported that ‘Patient 5’ has now recovered and was last night released from hospital.

“The Health Ministry had earlier reported that the patient, who is from St Ann, reported an onset of the COVID-19 symptoms on March 3.

The Jamaica Observer reports that the PM “explained the move had become necessary as the Government expects that there will be a significant rise in the number of COVID -19 infections”.

“He emphasised that this means there will be restriction on public movement except those that will be gazetted,” the report said.

“Exemptions will apply to the essential services and other critical industries, which will also be detailed in the gazette.”