Nassau, BAHAMAS-A 22-year-old man has been jailed for four months after he ignored a lockdown intended to curb community spread of the coronavirus.
Police arrested Michael Smith, of Firetrail Road, as he walked near St. Andrews Beach Estates around 12:45am on April 9.
Smith admitted a charge of violation of curfew at his arraignment before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes on Thursday.
Smith’s arrest came soon after a mandatory lockdown designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus took effect.
The lockdown that began 9pm on April 8 will end at 5am April 14.
It requires all residents, except essential workers, to stay at home.
Prosecuting Sergeant Kenny Thompson told the court that Smith told arresting officers he had been kicked out of his home. He claimed that he was on the way to the Elizabeth Estates Police Station.
Stay at home
When the magistrate asked Smith why he was on the street, he replied, “I was hanging out with a friend.”
Magistrate Forbes said, “They said not to hang out; they said to stay home.”
The magistrate added, “Let me explain something to you, there is a 24-hour stay at home order, shelter in place it should be called, not curfew.
“Unless you are an essential worker, your responsibility is to stay within your house, unless you’re going to the food store, to the bank or to the pharmacy.”
252 curfew violators charged
The magistrate convicted Smith and gave him the option of paying a $500 fine to avoid spending four months in prison.
Smith said he didn’t have the money. As a result, he was sent to prison.
People who flout the curfew and lockdown orders face a maximum of 18 months in prison and fines up to $10,000.
To date, police have prosecuted 252 persons for failing to adhere to the curfews and lockdowns.
More lockdowns to come
Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said the country would undergo weekend lockdowns during April.
The shutdowns are intended to stop gatherings and community spread of the deadly coronavirus.
He said, “We must stay apart as much as possible to prevent the spread of this coronavirus and more deaths. That is why I began the curfew and lockdown measures.”
“They are essential to save lives. As prime minister and as a medical doctor, it is my duty to do what is necessary to protect our people. We, therefore, had to strengthen measures because we are in a surge and there is community spread.”
As of April 9, the country had 41 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including eight deaths.
