The government has announced a two-week extension of the emergency measures that were put initially put in place in early April to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), while also saying that Guyanese returning from overseas would be allowed to quarantine themselves at home for a mandatory seven days.
In a statement issued yesterday afternoon, the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) said the order is being prepared for gazetting under the hand of the Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence. It reads: “The COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No.3) published in the Gazette 29th April 2020 and effective until 3rd June 2020 is extended to 17th June 2020.”
The measures provide for restrictions on social activities and a countrywide curfew between 6pm and 6am. While the curfew measures have been praised for aiding in curbing the spread of COVID-19 there has been much criticism about the lack of enforcement as a number of persons have been seen out of their homes during the curfew period and some have even been seen congregating at bars and other public places where gatherings have been prohibited. Police have recently started to take action against these gatherings. The measures also classified a number of services which were deemed essential and are able to carry on operations, including during the curfew period.
Additionally, the NCTF statement clarified that Guyanese who are stranded overseas and who have received permission to return to Guyana are required to “home quarantine for seven days immediately following their arrival.” They were initially required to spend 14 days in quarantine at government facilities or at private hotels. The Private Sector Commission had lobbied for them to be allowed to be in quarantine at home, with the penalty of a fine should they breach the stipulation.
For the avoidance of doubt, the statement explained that home quarantine means “quarantining at their respective private residences. Persons are required to remain there for the duration of the seven day period and not leave for any reason save and except to seek emergency medical care.”
Those returning are also required to complete a Repatriation Form and submit a PCR COVID-19 test (in English) with a negative result 48 hours prior to arrival.
“The NCTF reaffirms that no person who tests positive for COVID-19 will be allowed to return to Guyana at this time,” the statement said.
