With pushback from certain groups including the APNU/AFC Opposition against the Government-imposed new COVID-19 vaccination measures, the Guyana Police Force has declared that there will be “no total lockdown” in effect.
Nevertheless, the Force has reminded the public that the curfew imposed throughout the country, as part of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 21), remains in effect between 22:30h and 04:00h.
“During this period, persons are required to remain within the confines of their homes and yard space except as otherwise provided for in the COVID-19 Emergency Measures,” a statement from the GPF Sunday evening detailed.
According to the Police, the COVID-19 Emergency Measures have also placed restrictions and requirements on social, business and other activities with the aim of ensuring social distancing and the wearing of face masks by members of the public.
The Guyana Government had updated the measures, in the first instance, to include vaccination requirements for persons seeking to access any Government services such as at Ministries and other State agencies.
Pushback against this comes from various sections with unvaccinated persons, with the support of the coalition Opposition, protesting the new guidelines. In fact, last Monday, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) – a stronghold of the APNU/AFC – went into lockdown to oppose the new measures. This was after there were several protest demonstrations in the region.
However, the situation has since worsened after Government last weekend updated these measures. The new gazetted orders stipulate vaccination requirements for persons entering any public building, both State-owned and privately-owned, including restaurants, supermarkets, places of worship, schools, Government buildings, banks and so on.
Nevertheless, the Police Force in Sunday’s missive urged citizens to comply with the Emergency Measures implemented, as they continue with the enforcement of these guidelines in efforts to safeguard the health of the nation during this pandemic.
The Police are also reminding the public that those persons found in breach of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures will be prosecuted accordingly.
