PSC reiterates calls for businesses to enforce COVID-19 guidelines

As the country’s COVID-19 death toll continues to skyrocket, along with the number of positive cases, on a daily basis, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) has reiterated its calls for businesses to enforce the COVID-19 guidelines.
The PSC in a missive stated that it supported the national COVID-19 vaccination campaign, since immunisation is crucial in protecting citizens from the pandemic.
“The PSC repeats its appeal to every non-vaccinated citizen to be vaccinated to safeguard themselves, their family, their friends, their professional associates and everyone else with whom they come into contact.”
As such, the PSC appeals to every business and employer to implement and enforce the gazetted COVID-19 guidelines which require the use of masks, social distancing and the presentation of proof of vaccination upon entry into public places. In this manner, the business community will protect and safeguard its employees and consumers.
“We know now, from a mountain of irrefutable evidence, internationally and here in Guyana, that the vaccines are safe, effective, and an essential public health measure in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic,” the PSC said.
The body further commended the Government for its exemplary dedication and aggressive approach towards immunisation and the achievement of herd immunity.
In September, the Health Ministry updated Emergency Measures (No. 22) published in the Official Gazette requiring Guyanese to be vaccinated before accessing any public buildings.
Paragraph 17(1) of those Emergency Measures states that “… any person who wishes to enter a public building shall be vaccinated”.
The previous order had said that these requirements were in place for Government Ministries and Government agencies, but the new order stated “public buildings” meaning any building to which the public has lawful access, both publicly and privately owned buildings, including all institutions of learning.
These include stores, banks, and other commercial places. In fact, days after the new COVID-19 measures were gazetted, the Guyana Association of Bankers Inc had indicated that the various financial institutions would soon be complying with the new measures.
In addition, as other public buildings, including privately-owned businesses, also enforce these new vaccination requirements, some places of worship have put systems in place to adhere to the measures.
Meanwhile, 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 Health Ministry.