As the Guyana Police Force (GPF) continues to enforce the COVID-19 guidelines as set out by the National COVID-19 Task Force, several persons were arrested on Sunday morning for breaching these rules.
The persons that were arrested for breaching the COVID-19 guidelines
Over 200 persons had to be dispersed from a party spot in Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara (WBD), by Police at about 02:00h on Sunday morning.
Police in a statement said most of the persons who attended that party complied, but the defiant ones were promptly arrested and charged.
“The GPF is once again appealing to citizens to adhere to the curfew and to further report breaches to the COVID Task Force hotlines: 626-6674, 624-3067, 624-2819 and toll-free (GTT) 0180,” the Police said in a statement.
As COVID-19 cases and the death toll continues to rise in Guyana, health authorities have been imploring citizens to adhere to the guidelines as set out by the Health Ministry.
Only last week, Health Minister, Dr Frank Antony said that Guyanese have dropped their guard in taking precautions and following national guidelines to protect themselves from COVID-19, prompting the use of law enforcement to impose stricter penalties for violations.
He cited the level of complacency currently seen, thereby contributing to rising cases. Along with citizens, businesses are on the radar for violating guidelines. “We are going to be more stringent using the Joint Services to be able to enforce these guidelines. You will see more people being charged for not wearing masks and those businesses that are not complying with the guidelines will see stricter penalties coming their way. All of this can be avoided if people do the right thing. If we keep violating these things and allowing people to do the wrong thing, we are going to see spread,” the Minister had said, as he insisted that persons should take the virus seriously since the country is yet to exit the pandemic successfully.
Earlier this month, Government extended the COVID-19 measures including the national curfew. The curfew remains in place from 22:30h to 04:00h (04:00 am to 10:30 pm) for the month of March.
Restrictions remain in place on visiting, hosting, or attending private parties, wakes, clubs, receptions, and any other social activity, including going to the cinema. (G9)
