De facto Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence has backpedaled on a decision to relax non-curfew COVID-19 restrictions in regions Five and Eight.
The two regions are the only areas in Guyana which have not recorded a single case of the novel coronavirus disease up to last Wednesday.
National COVID-19 Task Force last Wednesday announced a plan for a phased relaxation of the restrictions and that the two regions would be allowed to relax non-curfew measures, which include the operation of non-essential services such as barbershops and salons, boutiques and movement.
A Department of Public Information (DPI) report on Friday said Region Eight’s Regional Health Officer – Dr Chrissundra Abdool supported the minister’s decision to withdraw the decision to relax the measures. “The reason we are COVID free is that we were trying our best with the precautionary measures in place. To say we would no longer have non-curfew measures in effect could expose us and put us at risk of having a COVID-19 case,” Dr Abdool was quoted as saying.
With the withdrawal of that order, these two regions will now join the rest of the country in the phased reopening process. Phase one of the rollback of the measure is being undertaken from June 18 to July 2, 2020. During this period all food establishments (including street vendors) will be permitted to operate takeout and delivery services from 6am to 5pm; ninety (90) minutes of exercise is allowed for citizens, Monday to Friday from 6am to 6pm in open public spaces; and public transport will be permitted to continue to operate at 50% passenger capacity.
The DPI report noted that added to this some key measures will be upheld, including the prohibition of gatherings of more than five and bars are also to remain closed. The national curfew remains in effect from 6pm to 6am daily.
Many of the measures, which have been implemented since April 3, have not been properly enforced. As a result, many non-essential businesses, including some bars, continue to operate and some persons have been holding social gatherings with large numbers at both private and public places.
