De facto Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has said that seven of the twelve policing divisions are in full compliance with the emergency measures ordered by de facto Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The other five, he said, are at around 98 to 99 per cent in compliance.
“Of the twelve police divisions in Guyana, seven of those divisions are fully compliant with the measures, particularly the curfew from 6 pm to 6 am and the other five, while you have a 100 per cent in seven of these divisions, the other five, you have 98 and 99 percent compliance,” Nagamootoo said.
He made this disclosure on Saturday during a virtual press conference which was held to update the media on the work of the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF), which he chairs.
On April 3, the government announced a one-month countrywide 6 pm to 6 am curfew and a restriction on services except for those deemed essential.
The “emergency measures” are being effected under an order in the name of Lawrence pursuant to an earlier direction by President David Granger, given under the Public Health Ordinance.
The measures, which took effect from April 3, are to be in place for just over one month unless earlier terminated. They were instituted amid growing fears that the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to as many as 20,000 cases here by May 5.
In the order, services which are deemed “essential” include: hospitals, healthcare and medical services including pharmacies, drug stores and private veterinary services; nursing homes, orphanages, shelters and other related care centers; immigration; the Revenue Authority; electricity services; water supply services; the disciplined forces; prison services; solid waste management, sewerage and janitorial services; air traffic control; Demerara Harbour Bridge and Berbice River Bridge; hotels and accommodation and factories, manufacturers or distributors of food supplies and essential goods including medical supplies where the Minister of Public Health has determined that the continuation of these operations do not pose a risk to public health.
However, last Thursday, in an updated order, the government gazetted revised measures and expanded the list of “essential services”.
The major difference between the two lists of measures is the significant increase of “Essential Services” in the revised version, which is effective from April 9 to May 3.
Previously 13 such areas were identified, while the new measures identify 30.
“Put a foot on the gas”
Nagamootoo explained that he had spoken with Commissioner of Police Leslie James and de facto Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, who advised him that a number of persons were arrested for breaching the measures.
“There are cases where persons have been charged but they have not been placed in lock ups…I can say this—these measures are contained within a lawful instrument. They have been signed by the Minister of Public Health who has been authorised by an executed order by the President of the country,” Nagamootoo said.
He noted that both James and Ramjattan have also indicated their intention to “put a foot on the gas” to deal with instances whereby persons are still seen gathering in numbers in the public for various activities, such as fishing, creek liming, gathering in groups, birthday parties, wakes, etc.
Nagamootoo said that any persons who gathered in numbers more that the prescribed limit of five are in violation of the law.
“They would be arrested, they would be detained and they would be charged… These measures become the law and therefore they are punishable by whatever penalties are prescribed within the law… For me, the issue is not how much fine is imposed as a deterrent. The issue is to be able to arrest and detain these violators and make them accountable [to] the law. It’s not the size of the fine, it’s not the length of the imprisonment but it’s the fact that we are going out there to show that the law must be enforced,” Nagamootoo explained.
The Prime Minister commended business proprietors and operators of the public transportation system for their cooperation in abiding with the curfew. “We want 100% compliance with these measures in the interest of all of our health and in the interest of safety and lives,” he said.
He also emphasised on the importance of social distancing. “I want to emphasise that you have so far complied with the restrictive measures as it regards to social gathering and I want to encourage you to continue to do so. As I said, you are contributing to the general welfare of our people,” Nagamootoo stated.
