COVID-19 curfew now in effect from 9pm to 5am

…travel restricted in Regions 7, 8, 9

Government has made a change to the curfew hours under the National COVID-19 Measures, by changing the timing from 9 pm to 5 am.
In a Gazette document, it was noted that these measures will be in effect until August 31 until advised further and does not apply to Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
These emergency measures are made pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2)(b) of the Direction by the President, given under the Public Health Ordinance, Cap 145, and published in the Gazette, Legal Supplement – B, 16th March, 2020.
These areas will follow the initial curfew hours of 18:00h to 06:00h and it has been further directed that no person shall travel into or out of these regions, unless authorisation is granted by the Health Minister.
“No person shall travel into or out of the specified regions during the period August 16 to August 31, 2020, without the authorisation of the Minister of Health,” the document specifically stated.
In these areas, mining operations have been allowed and operators have been asked to comply with the recommendations put forward.
“Any person who provides transport within the specified regions whether by land, water or air shall not carry in that transport more than half the number of passengers within the motor vehicle, vessel or aircraft is licensed to carry,” the guidelines also explained.
From 06:00h to 17:00h, stakeholders will be able to access services at banks, markets, supermarkets, grocery shops, gas stations, postal or shipping services, funeral homes, beauty salons, barbershops, hardware stores, clothing or stores; or other maintenance services.
Strict disapproval has been placed on the opening of cinemas, hosting of private parties, competitive sporting events, banquets, receptions, bars, rum shops, wakes or vigils, gyms, spas, clubs, discotheques, meetings of fraternal society, private or social clubs; and other social activities.
According to the modified document, all persons are required to wear a mask, covering the nose and mouth, when in public. Both private and the public sector will have their staff on rotation while those in the health sector will be subjected to priority treatment.
Places of worship shall remain open with restrictions to 25 per cent capacity with other guidelines for sanitisation and social distancing.
A provision has been instituted to allow 90 minutes at parks, seawalls and creeks as long as a six feet distancing is enabled. Meanwhile, restaurants are allowed outdoor dining with tables six feet apart and a maximum of four persons that are three feet apart per table. Food services are still permitted to conduct delivery and curbside pickup.
The international airports – Cheddi Jagan and Eugene F Correia, will also remain closed except for outgoing, cargo, medevacs, and special authorised flights and technical stops for fuel only.