Local banks to enforce strict vaccination rule from Monday

…unvaccinated persons must make appointment

…ATM withdrawal limit increases

In compliance with the Government of Guyana’s new vaccination measures, several local commercial banks are informing their customers that they will now have to comply with these requirements.
Last weekend, Government gazetted new measures for entry into public building, which included commercial banks. It stated that only vaccinated persons can enter any public building without an appointment. Persons who are unvaccinated are required to make an appointment to enter a public building, and must present a negative molecular biological PCR test taken within seven days of the appointment. These tests have to be done at laboratories approved by the Ministry of Health.
Days after the new COVID-19 measures were gazetted, the Guyana Association of Bankers Inc had indicated that the various financial institutions will soon be complying with the new measures.
In a notice published in today’s Guyana Times, Republic Bank said it “…will conform to these measures, effective Monday, September 13, 2021.”
As such, the bank is urging vaccinated customers to walk with their COVID-19 vaccination card (or a legible copy) and a form of ID (ID card, passport or driver’s licence) when visiting any of its 12 branches across the country.
With regards to unvaccinated/medically exempt persons, they will have to schedule an appointment.
“Your branch will let you know if we can fulfil your request without a visit and provide any information necessary to ensure we meet your needs conveniently and efficiently,” the notice stated.
However, those who have scheduled an appointment, are asked to pay attention to date and time, and also remember to bring a negative PCR test result/exemption certificate and ID at the time of their visit.
Republic Bank, nonetheless, urged its customers to use the following electronic banking services – Republic Online/Republic Mobile or ATMs or point of sale – wherever possible, instead of going into the bank.
Meanwhile, a similar position has been taken by the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), which on Friday reminded customers that effective Monday, the new vaccination measures will also be enforced at all of its branches countrywide.
Apart from outlining the requirements for both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons, GBTI also noted, however, that customers visiting its ATMs are not required to present proof of vaccination.
Demerara Bank Limited has also indicated that it will be complying with the new measures. In order to efficiently process their transactions, the bank is urging customers to utilise its various services including the ATMs, point of sale services, night depository for cash and cheque deposits, electronic banking, electronic payroll and drop box for letters, etc.
However, it noted that customers can contact any of their branches should an appointment be required.
Similarly, Citizens Bank Guyana Inc has informed its customers that it will be complying with the new COVID-19 measures being enforced by Government.

Places of worship
Meanwhile, as other public buildings including other privately-owned businesses also enforce these new vaccination requirements, some places of worship are also putting systems in place to adhere to the measures.
On Saturday, the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) informed the various masjids across the country that they too will have to comply.
“The severe threat of the pandemic and the increasing number of infections and deaths warrant strong measures based on reliable scientific guidance and Islamic rulings by the majority of the Muslim scholars which supports the taking of the COVID-19 vaccine. As believers in God Almighty, we must act responsibly and protect our lives and the lives of others,” the religious body stated.
It added, “We must think good, and act righteously, promote the truth and cooperate with one another in doing good and preventing harm.”
To this end, CIOG stipulated that persons entering the masjid should provide evidence of vaccination or a negative PCR test results; that persons entering the masjid must sanitise at the entrance, and observe social distancing of six feet apart; that there should be no shaking of hands, embracing nor congregating while at the masjid except for prayers, and that persons attending the masjid to pray should walk with a prayer mat.
“Please follow all Government protocols as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the CIOG further pleaded.
Meanwhile, in a statement from Guyana’s Catholic Church Bishop, Francis Alleyne, it was noted that given the fact that many of its worshipers will not be allowed entry into churches due to the new COVID measures, it will be moving to virtual ceremonies.
“We ought not to leave part of the body detached from the whole. Therefore, in solidarity with these brothers and sisters, and beginning on Friday 10th September, we will conduct all our worship virtually and refrain from gathering in any number. Our churches will be closed for public worship until further notice.”
On the other hand, the executives of the presbytery of the Assemblies of God Churches in Guyana have declared that all congregants must be vaccinated to attend in-person services in a recent communique to all AOG Church leaders. Additionally, all technical personnel and participants of virtual ceremonies are also required to be immunised.
The AOG contended that it will not coerce anyone into taking the vaccine.
Meanwhile, the Diocese of Guyana has urged its membership to get vaccinated. (G8)