Returning Guyanese to be screened, possibly tested on entry – Foreign Affairs Ministry

Guyanese returning home will have to undergo screening with the possibility of testing for the coronavirus at a port of entry.
This was announced by the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Monday as it explained that Guyanese wishing to be repatriated can complete a form online. Guyanese seeking to return are required to plan their return in coordination with and on approval from the Government of Guyana. “This will enable control of the spread of COVID-19 in Guyana and protect the health and safety of all citizens dwelling there, particularly those who are most vulnerable,” the Ministry said. Further, it added that in the interest of public health and safety, approvals for re-entry will be phased in a manner deemed appropriate by the Public Health Ministry.
According to the Ministry, Guyanese wishing to return must complete an application for entry form. This form can be found on the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s website, in addition to those of Guyana’s overseas missions including embassies, consulates general and honorary consulates.
“Subsequently, you will receive an e-mail confirming receipt of your application and, afterwards, confirmation of the intended date of travel. Guyanese nationals should expect to be screened and possibly tested for the novel coronavirus on return to Guyana,” the Ministry said.
It added that this is a condition of return and will be undertaken at the point of entry. “It is anticipated that all persons entering Guyana will need to exercise patience as social distancing and health and safety protocols will be observed.”
The Ministry stressed that once a Guyanese national completes the form, it serves as an acknowledgement that they have read, understood and agreed with the requirements laid out.
“We would like to reiterate that you should not attempt to travel to Guyana without gaining prior approval from the Government,” the Ministry also said.
The advisory comes just one day after Guyana saw a worrying spike in the local coronavirus cases, from 127 on Saturday to 135 on Sunday. As of Monday, it is at 137, with 11 deaths.
A number of Guyanese stranded overseas, among them former Deputy Mayor of Georgetown Lionel Jaikarran, have made public appeals to be allowed home.
Many of them are in situations where they are running low on funds, have pressing matters to attend to at home or have simply overstayed their welcome at their place of abode.
A few days ago, the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) approved the conditional return of over 300 stranded Guyanese during a special meeting, signalling some definitive action by the highly politicised Task Force.