Joint Services to toughen COVID-19 guidelines enforcement – Health Minister

Guyanese have dropped their guard in taking precautions and following national guidelines to protect themselves from COVID-19, prompting the use of law enforcement to impose stricter penalties for violations.
This was according to Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony during a recent press conference, having cited the level of complacency currently seen, thereby contributing to rising cases. Along with citizens, businesses are on the radar for violating guidelines.

“We are going to be more stringent using the Joint Services to be able to enforce these guidelines. You will see more people being charged for not wearing masks and those businesses that are not complying with the guidelines will see stricter penalties coming their way. All of this can be avoided if people do the right thing. If we keep violating these things and allowing people to do the wrong thing, we are going to see spread,” the Minister indicated.
He insisted that persons should take the virus seriously since the country is yet to exit the pandemic successfully.
“People need to start taking this thing a little more seriously. I think people have dropped their guard a little bit and they think that COVID is over. COVID is not over. We have COVID that is circulating and we have to take those precautions. We continue to appeal that people take their precautions.”
With the current disregard for the curfew and other measures, Dr Anthony said the country will experience a surge. As of recent, the country has been battling with over 800 active cases, increased coronavirus-related deaths and more hospitalisations.
“If people continue to disregard these guidelines, not wearing masks, socialising, being close to each other, gathering in these public places; we are going to have spread. At this time, our vaccination programme is not at the level where we can minimise the amount of severe infections. We have to get to higher numbers before we can see the severe infections drop,” he detailed.
Last October, Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips had announced the formation of a multi-sectoral operation to curb the spread of COVID-19 and sensitise the public on the implications of contracting the life-threatening disease.
“Operation COVI-CURB” used the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana Police Force (GPF), and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to execute the Health Ministry’s mandate of flattening the curve by focusing on education, moral suasion, and finally, enforcement measures.
The national curfew remains in place from 22:30h to 04:00h (04:00 am to 10:30 pm) for the month of March. Banks, supermarkets, shops, beauty salons, barbershops, gas stations and stores such as those selling clothing, shoes, books, hardware and plumbing are allowed to operate between the hours of 04:00h and 21:30h (04:00 am to 09:30 pm).
While buffet dining is prohibited, indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants and bars are permitted following strict COVID-19 guidelines. All essential services – such as hospitals, pharmacies, funeral homes, airports, hotels, and the Judiciary – are allowed to operate on a 24-hour basis.
Restrictions remain in place on visiting, hosting, or attending private parties, wakes, clubs, receptions, and any other social activity, including going to the cinema. Gyms, fitness centres, and places of worship can operate at a limited capacity.
Persons are asked to abide by the curfew, wear a mask properly, stay a safe distance away from others and practice regular sanitisation. (G12)