The Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) yesterday morning made the decision to temporarily close the Stabroek Market gates after patrons refused to abide by COVID-19 safety regulations.
According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) release, the M&CC temporarily closed the “heavily packed” Stabroek Market at approximately 9:00 am after patrons were observed not wearing face masks.
Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, who was at the scene explained that the authorities were forced to close the gates because persons were refusing to wear masks and sanitise their hands as they entered the market.
According to the mayor, the constabulary on the ground had de-escalated the situation. “The crowd wasn’t adhering to the measures and guidelines for the safety of Guyana,” he informed.
The Mayor reiterated that one of the measures implemented called for the washing of hands by both vendors and customers as they entered the market. The strategy dictates that customers line up, then three to five persons will enter, wash their hands and proceed to do their shopping. Sinks are readily available in the markets.
He also reminded that only two gates are open so as to allow the authorities to control the flow of persons in accordance with the physical distancing guidelines.
The Mayor also express-ed the hope that the National Task Force could suggest procedures to guide the Mayor City and Council in the event this situation recurs.
The M&CC has announced that with effect from Wednesday May 6th, it has initiated a $5,000 penalty fee for all vendors and customers who fail to wear face masks during the pandemic.
