– only health, repatriation trips allowed
The Public Works Ministry, in conjunction with the management of the Canawaima Ferry Service, has announced a suspension of all leisure travel to Suriname until further notice.
The Ministry stated that only repatriation trips and health emergency evacuations would be allowed during the lockdown.
“This measure has been implemented by our Surinamese partners in their bid to curb the COVID-19 cases,” the Ministry said on Tuesday.
Effective until May 2, only one round trip per week will be facilitated to allow for repatriation. This means that only Guyanese in Suriname can cross over to Guyana and only Surinamese will be able to cross into Suriname.
“Additionally, only a person authorised by Surinamese officials will be allowed after receiving prior approval. No international incoming or outgoing travel will be allowed during the weekends in Suriname due to the lockdown. The mandatory quarantine formerly instituted will no longer be required, as well as COVID-19 test results for Surinamese required to return home at this time,” the Ministry stated.
In February, the Guyana-Suriname ferry service recommenced operations for residents of the two neighbouring countries following months of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier this month, the Surinamese Government had revised its COVID-19 protocols for arriving passengers, and the new requirement had mandated quarantining for seven days after entering the country. This was after the country witnessed a spike in cases locally.
