Persons caught making prank calls to COVID-19 hotlines will be penalised

The Health Ministry has warned that persons found guilty of making prank calls to the COVID-19 hotlines would be penalised.
This decision came after a series of pranks calls was made to the COVID-19 hotline numbers.
As such, the Health Ministry is appealing to members of the public to stop making prank calls.
“Members of the public are reminded that Paragraph 16 of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures states that persons shall not call a COVID-19 hotline number without a justifiable reason. Persons found guilty of making prank calls to the COVID-19 hotlines WILL BE PENALISED,” the Ministry stated.
In addition, subject minister, Dr Frank Anthony wishes to remind the general public of the importance of the COVID-19 hotlines to the nation’s efforts to prevent and manage the spread of COVID-19.
“The COVID-19 hotlines are used to receive information that allows for the provision of healthcare services to persons possibly affected by the virus,” he added.
Finally, the Ministry noted that prank calls would disrupt the communication process between persons who are legitimately in need of vital service and healthcare providers.
“Such an outcome has negative consequences for persons in need of care. Let us all work together to effectively stop the spread of COVID-19 in Guyana.”