Following the announcement that Region Ten officials will be imposing a curfew in an effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Linden residents under the impression that it was a lockdown began panic buying yesterday.
According to the region’s Public Relations Officer Rawle Nelson, sections of the media suggested that regional authorities had imposed a lockdown on the region, leaving persons under the impression that they will not be allowed out of their homes. As a result, hundreds of persons in Linden rushed to supermarkets and began panic buying.
Linden Mayor Waneka Arrindell subsequently told local television that the region is not under lockdown.
“Let me clear the air and announce that there is no lockdown but rather a curfew. So for those who [are] peddling the rumour, we are asking that you desist as the municipality has the authority to implement the curfew considering the situation,” Arrindell said.
President of the Linden Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Development (LCCID) Victor Fernandes also attempted to dispel the misinformation. He stressed that everything would continue as normal but businesses, with the exception of supermarkets and pharmacies, will have to close at 6pm and no one would be allowed on the streets after 7pm.
In addition, he warned businesses against exploiting consumers.
Fernandes’ statement came after he endorsed the curfew, which will come into effect today at 6 pm and will continue for two weeks.
Regional authorities announced that the police will be enforcing the curfew and they will extend the duration of the curfew if necessary.
“The reality is that if businesses choose not to open, how would the public come out as they would have no way to dine and congregate and that is why we as a chamber firmly supports this decision…a simple drive around and you would be shocked to see that several businesses are operating as if nothing is wrong,” Fernandes said.
He indicated that members of the LCCI are happy with the decision to impose a curfew, which they believe is necessary and critical. “This should have been done earlier as we recognise that the public has not come to grips with the urgency and impact of the virus. This is serious times and we as a chamber recognise that it has the potential of wiping out not only lives but ultimately several businesses. As such, stringent measures have to be put in place,” he said.
He revealed that despite the COVID-19 threat, many bars and restaurants are still operating, hence, those businesses are encouraging persons to disregard preventative measures like social distancing.
Fernandes said that the LCCI will try their best to ensure that all preventative measure are adhered to.
However, he noted that persons are still ignorant of many COVID-19 facts, which is why the LCCI will be calling for increased public education.
Fernandes acknowledged that the LCCI has a meaningful role to play against the COVID-19 threat and said that they are seeking to partner with other stakeholders in providing assistance to establish a command centre and hotlines, which will be monitored 24/7. He added that requests will be made to private entities such as GTT and Digicel to lend valuable assistance through the provision of handsets in order to get the hotlines running as soon as possible.
“The chamber will help, we recognise that the squeeze will be significant for some,” Fernandes said, even as he told businesses and residents that the situation requires their understanding and patience during this difficult period. “We can all get through this once we band together, understanding that what may seem simple can and will save your life and those also of your family. Therefore, I urge all that we, the business community, would like to have an increased population and with irresponsible behaviour it will certainly affect our population and ultimately our income,” he declared.
He urged the various chambers of commerce around Guyana to encourage the various municipalities to adopt similar measures, while asking what the purpose of a business is if everyone falls ill from COVID-19 and dies. “Money is the number one priority of any businessman, but safety and the well-being of customers are of paramount importance,” Fernandes said.
