Coomacka villagers forced to construct security barrier at community’s entrance
COVID-19 outbreak
…as persons flock beaches
The failure of persons to adhere to social distancing guidelines in the wake of the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Guyana has led to a decision by officials and residents to construct a security barrier at the entrance of Coomacka in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
A resident washing her hands before entering the community
According to officials and residents from the community, persons from outside the area have been flocking the beach in the community in large numbers, against protocols established by health officials to avoid social gatherings. It was noted that following an emergency meeting by community executives and residents on Monday, a decision was taken to construct an entrance barrier into the community. Chairman of the Coomacka Community Development Council (CDC), Dexter Harding noted that the construction of the barrier commenced on Tuesday.
“We will start to control the influx of people coming into the community. We build a gate at the entrance of the community; we’re closing off the beach area. So those are measures that we’re putting in place. It’s the concern of folks because it get a curfew… and folks coming up at the beach late at night, partying like if it’s a regular thing. So, the residents in the community asking that we put measures in place to control persons coming to the community,” he explained.
Harding also reminded that the 06:00h to 18:00h curfew also extends to Coomacka. He also urged persons to make use of the sanitisation block recently set up at the entrance to the community.
“We have a sanitary area at the entrance of the community so the gate is before that area. So, anybody come we ask them to wash their boots, hands or whatever and then they can enter into the community,” he urged.
According to a resident in the area, residents plan to work in shifts in guarding the barrier to ensure that the rules of sanitising are followed and that anyone entering into Coomacka has a legitimate reason to do so.
“Also we’re seeing at the sanitising block, not much people stopping and using it. Residents, strangers and so, they’re not stopping to wash their hands and their vehicles and so when they’re coming into the community. Just a few persons doing it but not the majority,” the resident stated.
