Govt extends 22:30h to 04:00h curfew to February

…as bars, theatres remain closed

The curfew, which forms part of the National COVID-19 Measures, will remain the same throughout the month of February, that is from 22:30h (10:30 pm) to 04:00h (4 am).
This was stipulated in a new gazette signed by Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony. It indicates that measures will take effect from February 1, and last until February 28 – unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions.
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.
Government reminded that it 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.
It clearly outlines that flights from Brazil are prohibited until further notice.
No one is permitted to host or attend a cinema except for drive-in movies; private party, banquet hall, bar, public swimming pool or water park, wake or vigil, club, meeting fraternity or any other social activity. Gyms are to operate at 50 per cent capacity while sporting events are only permitted with approval from the Health Minister.
The measures have remained unchanged for essential services to operate 24 hours a day, and this includes hospitals, pharmacies, the Judiciary, Parliament, diplomatic corps, Disciplined Services, solid waste management, airports, hotels or other accommodations, energy services, mining operations, security services, telecommunication providers, fisherfolks, limited port operations, construction, post service and freight, funeral homes, among others.
Any person working beyond the curfew is asked to have in their possession, an official identification document or proof of workplace.
From 04:00h to 21:30h, stakeholders will still be able to access services at banks, markets, supermarkets, grocery shops, gas stations, postal or shipping services, beauty salons, barbershops, hardware stores, clothing or stores; or other maintenance services.
Outdoor dining and dining at a restaurant shall only be permitted between these hours, with tables six feet apart and a maximum of four persons that are three feet apart per table. Buffet dining is prohibited. Food services are still permitted to conduct delivery and curbside pick-up.
All restaurants and bars are required to submit an application to the Guyana Tourism Authority for approval to operate, and are mandated to follow all the established protocols. Failure to do so can result in the closure of the operation of that business by the Health Ministry.
Now, places of worship are allowed to operate but with a restricted 25 per cent of the total capacity. Religious leaders are to ensure that where there are multiple services, there is no less than 45 minutes between the session to allow for sanitisation. Prepackaged food is to be used instead of portions from communal containers. When applicable, persons should bring their own rugs or fabric for daily prayers.
Both private and the public sector will have their staff on rotation while those in the health sector will be subjected to priority treatment. Meanwhile, only the National Public Health Reference Laboratory is authorised to conduct COVID-19 tests. Anyone who tests positive is required to comply with the requirements imposed by the Health Emergency Operations Centre to prevent a further spread.
Persons are still required to wear a mask, covering the nose and mouth, when in public. However, exemptions are given to children under the age of eight; where a person is in a vehicle, vessel or aircraft alone; and any other accommodation alone.
Failure to comply with the mandatory mask requirement would make persons liable under Section 152 of the Public Health Ordinance.