As Region One (Barima-Waini) becomes the epicentre of the Novel Coronavirus in Guyana with over 60 active cases, officials believe that a national intervention may be needed to have a total lockdown of the region.
The COVID-19 situation in Region One seems to be worsening, three new cases were yesterday recorded in the Region. The Moruca Sub-District is the village where most of the cases are from.
Vice-Chairman of the Region, Sarah Browne noted that most of the cases from the region are teachers, health workers and a number of government workers in the region as she noted that over 20 teachers have tested positive. She said she observed that the cases are being recorded within a one-mile radius as persons within the village are close and as such believes that the rapid spread of the virus is because a lot of persons who were infected were not aware and then went home to their families.
Browne told Stabroek News that as the number of cases continues to rise, the isolation and quarantine facilities are overwhelmed and as such three pre-fab facilities were set up. Further, students who are expected to sit exams have been tested.
Browne noted that a lockdown of the Moruca Sub-district would have to be decided by the village council. However, the vice-chairman stated that if it is to happen there should be government intervention so as to possibly provide assistance to residents in the district. “The persons making a monthly salary are the government workers while most other persons would farm and vend at the markets daily… If we don’t get any intervention from the National Task Force level, I don’t see a lockdown being successful”, she said.
Browne also stated that if certain systems are not in place before a lockdown to safeguard residents, persons may breach the lockdown to be able to make a living. She noted that since the national curfew has been implemented there aren’t many persons who breach the curfew as persons are adhering to the safety measures so far.
