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The all-island curfew announced by the government on Monday has taken effect.

The measure took effect at 8 p.m. Wednesday night and will continue to 6 a.m.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force has said it is ready to enforce the curfew, which will restrict nightly movement for seven days, ending on April 8.

Senior Superintendent of Police Stephanie Lindsay, head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force Corporate Communication Unit, told Radio Jamaica’s Beyond the Headlines Wednesday that officers are prepared to support and enforce the law.

She said police officers have been made aware of professions that are exempted from the curfew order.

SSP Lindsay also revealed that the Police Commission had met with senior officers to “ensure that there is a common understanding of the implications across the board” and so members are “ready to start the process tonight.”

JUTC

In the meantime, the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) has reverted to normal operating hours following news that its drivers are among those exempted from the curfew order.

Cecil Thoms, Corporate Communications Manager at JUTC, said commuters will be able to access buses from as early a 6 a.m.

He urged persons who are not essential workers but who still have to work to ensure that they get home by 8 p.m. in accordance with the curfew.

However, he noted that JUTC buses will continue to operate up until about 10:30 p.m. but only to transport essential workers. Persons will be required to provide identification to prove they are indeed essential workers.

Mr. Thoms said the bus company will monitor what happens during the curfew hours Wednesday and Thursday night and modify arrangements if necessary.