Govt considering “extreme measures” to tackle spread of COVID-19

The National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) is considering “extreme measures” in light of the attitude of some persons in response to public advisories on the novel coronavirus.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Task Force acknowledged efforts of many Guyanese who have heeded the public advisories to adjust social behaviour in combating the spread of COVID-19.
However, it expressed serious concerns over the fact that some persons and businesses have been ignoring the public advisories and warnings, and have been going about their daily activities as per normal and operating in a business-as-usual manner.
“As such, the NCTF is both monitoring the conduct of the citizenry and considering various measures, including extreme measures, which have been instituted in other countries, to impose restrictions on the movement of persons for a defined period until the threat is abated,” the missive detailed.
This was discussed during a virtual planning meeting hosted by Chairman of the NCTF, caretaker Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, on Wednesday to continue the coordination of the work of the Task Force as Guyana intensifies efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19.
It was noted in the statement that consistent with public advisories, the NCTF has incrementally transitioned from in-person meetings to virtual meetings, which it is now fully utilising.
On Tuesday, caretaker President David Granger was updated on several measures that were proposed and discussed.
According to the missive, a menu of fiscal measures was approved with caretaker Finance Minister Winston Jordan and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) tasked with making the requisite public announcements.
Already, the GRA has announced a string of measures aimed at reducing the influx of large gatherings at its offices in order to ease the impact of coronavirus while maintaining its key functions. These measures include the wavier of Value-Added Tax (VAT) and duties on medical supplies associated with the testing, prevention and treatment of the disease, and the suspension of a series of licensing transactions until April 30, 2020.
The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Guyana remains five, inclusive of one death. The other four persons are in isolation.
Guyana confirmed its first imported case of the novel coronavirus on March 11 – a 52-year-old woman, who died days after returning from New York. Health authorities have since confirmed that four other persons — including a child, all relatives of the dead woman – have been placed in isolation.
In light of these confirmed cases, authorities have rolled out a number of steps to prevent the spread of the virus, including the closure of schools and the University of Guyana.
Additionally, several private businesses have closed their doors while others and some public offices have remained open but with reduced working hours.