Non-essential government offices will reopen today.

This was decided based on consultations with the MET service and ODPEM.

A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister says hurricane Melissa was an unprecedented category 5 weather event that made direct passage over western Jamaica.

As a result, non-essential public sector employees facing difficulties are encouraged to communicate with their supervisors or the heads of their entities as soon as possible.

It says policy directives have been given to ensure flexibility will be provided to support employees in their return to work.

Given these unique circumstances, non-attendance today due to being affected by hurricane Melissa will not be placed on record and no public servant will have their leave balance charged if they need to remain at home.