COVID-19 measures extended
…travel restrictions for Regions 7, 8, 9 remain in place
The Health Ministry has gazetted an update to the COVID-19 guidelines which would see the national curfew being reverted from 21:00h (9 pm) to 05:00h (5 am) to 18:00h (6 pm) to 06:00h (6 am). The update becomes effective from today.
According to the gazetted document, the new measures will be in effect until September 31 until advised further.
The Government made a rapid assessment of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has found that it was fragmented and incapable of administering the public health, economic and social measures needed to keep the population safe. The Order notes that the current measures are extended to allow for further assessments and consultations to develop updated protocols to aid in the combatting of the COVID-19 spread.
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.
Travel to Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) remain prohibited unless for essential purposes. In the three COVID-prone regions, gatherings are restricted to more than 5 persons. Mining operations are permitted under the strictest of guidelines.
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. Failure to comply with the mandatory mask requirement would make persons liable under Section 152 of the Public Health Ordinance. 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 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. (G2)
