This Easter will mark the second one since the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) shook the world and it is showing no signs of slowing down in spite of the advancements made in the battle against the virus. 
The World Health Organisation (WHO) informs that coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 that had not been previously identified in humans. Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.
In Guyana, it is just over a year since the first case of COVID-19 was recorded and ever since, a number of guidelines have been put in place. Among those protocols are limited gatherings and social distancing. The Government has also imposed a curfew from 22:30h to 04:00h. 
Easter is one of the holidays that serves as a binder for all Guyanese across all religious and ethnic backgrounds. One of the things that makes us quintessential Guyanese is the fact that we are closely knitted and it would take a lot of pressure to even attempt to wear that thin.
Easter is perhaps one of the most anticipated holidays in Guyana for the mere fact that it encourages social gatherings. Hundreds would congregate at the various churches for Easter Mass after which they would venture to the various parks, beaches or seawalls to fly their kites and spend time bonding with family and friends.
The core of Easter Monday celebration in Guyana is the fact that it revolves around large gatherings.
With Easter being one of the fundamental pillars in Christianity, this year the celebrations would have to be done quite uniquely.
Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus from the tomb on the third day after his crucifixion. Easter is the fulfilled prophecy of the Messiah who would be persecuted, die for our sins, and rise on the third day. Remembering the resurrection of Jesus is a way to renew daily hope that we have victory over sin. According to the New Testament, Easter is three days after the death of Jesus on the cross.
Easter follows a period of fasting called Lent, in which many churches set aside time for repentance and remembrance. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Good Friday, the day of Jesus’ crucifixion. The 40-day period was established by Pope Gregory 1 using the 40-day pattern of Israel, Moses, Elijah and Jesus’ time in the wilderness.
The week leading up to Easter is called The Holy Week, or “Passion Week”, and includes Palm Sunday (the day Jesus entered Jerusalem and was celebrated), Maundy Thursday (the “Last Supper” where Jesus met with his disciples to observe Passover), and Good Friday (when Jesus would be crucified on the cross).
Easter is a very significant date within Christianity and is the foundation of the Christian faith. Jesus, the Son of God, fulfilled prophecy and through his death, has given the gift of eternal life in heaven to those who believe in his death and resurrection.
The practice of flying kites on Easter Monday is a popular one in Guyana and with all that has happened over the past year, that practice is severely restricted. Gatherings in the parks, at seawalls and on beaches are limited and now people are forced to be confined to the limited spaces in their yards, and in some cases, they do not even have yard space.
The spirit of Easter is not lost since most churches have moved to various online platforms so that they can meet with their worshippers. Also, in some cases, churches have services with a limited congregation.
As we may be tempted to go out and enjoy the Easter holiday, please remember the consequences of not taking the COVID-19 pandemic seriously. We have to stay at home unless it is absolutely necessary to venture outside.
