Residents living within the security perimeter around Antigua and Barbuda’s CHOGM opening ceremony venue will have to remain indoors or arrange to leave before restrictions take effect, Police Superintendent Rodney Ellis said.

The measures will affect households near the Performing Arts Centre and High Street during security operations for the arrival of Commonwealth leaders and other dignitaries.

Speaking on Saturday’s Browne and Browne Show, Ellis advised residents who could stay with relatives or spend the affected hours elsewhere to make arrangements ahead of time.

“However, if you choose not to, you cannot be coming outside your house. You have to stay inside,” he said.

Ellis, who heads the Police Traffic Department, said the restrictions were intended to protect residents if security personnel had to respond to an incident.

He indicated that the closure around the opening ceremony venue could last approximately six to seven hours, with access expected to resume around 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. after proceedings conclude.

Pedestrian movement will also be restricted, and people seeking entry into secured areas will need the appropriate accreditation. Emergency vehicles will retain access, Ellis said.

Everton Barnes, co-lead of the CHOGM Media and Public Affairs Committee, stressed that the arrangements would not amount to an islandwide shutdown.

“We are not locking down Antigua,” Barnes said, explaining that restrictions would apply to specific venues and periods, while businesses outside the affected areas could continue operating.

Officials appealed for cooperation and said a public town hall would provide an opportunity for residents and business owners to ask questions about the arrangements.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Residents near CHOGM opening venue told to stay indoors or leave temporarily.