Although the wearing of face masks by persons in public spaces became mandatory as of yesterday, many in central George-town and other areas were seen yesterday flouting the new COVID-19 measure.
The usually crowded Regent Street was flooded with persons as they went about their Saturday shopping, despite the advisory that persons avoid being in congested spaces. What is more, those ignoring this advice are not taking other proper COVID-19 precautions such as the wearing of a face mask as many were seen either without a mask or wearing their masks incorrectly along the busy street.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised that masks be worn to cover the nose and mouth and chin, but many people have embraced the practice wearing of their masks below the chin, only covering the mouth, or with it hanging from one ear. Some vendors told Sunday Stabroek that they wear their masks incorrectly only when they are not dealing with customers and are being fatigued with heat or sweat from prolonged wear.
This newspaper observed that most of those who wore their masks correctly were the children who were walking or shopping with their parents or guardians. These children could be seen fixing their masks when it got out of place and even alerting their parents when they felt uncomfortable. Sunday Stabroek noticed one child stop his mother to alert her that his mask was falling out of place. This was in contrast to many adults who were seen walking among others while either being improperly protected or not protected at all.
The Director of Operations of the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) Secretariat Mark Archer on Friday told this newspaper that the Guyana Police Force is responsible for ensuring that citizens adhere to the new COVID-19 measure, but during yesterday’s observation, officers who were presumably on duty in the streets, were not seen reprimanding anyone for not wearing face masks.
After the street observations Sunday Stabroek asked some members of the public who were observed to be wearing masks about their opinions as it relates to the mask wearing-mandate.
Sashell Ernest, one of the persons wearing a mask, explained that she has been following the WHO’s COVID-19 guidelines and she fully supports the use of not only facemasks but the practice of frequent hand washing, social/physical distancing and any other precautionary measure established by health officials.
Ernest noted that as the world continues to grapple with the deadly and highly contagious coronavirus, face masks have become the new normal even as some societies are gradually transitioning into this, and for some, it is uncomfortable yet necessary. She stated that it is imperative that persons take as many precautions as they can especially when in public spaces where it is difficult to tell who may be infected.
“With the increase in number of positive cases here in Guyana, the wearing of face masks became mandatory and rightly so given that the geographic layout of the country makes it easy for people to travel and that is exactly what is happening while simultaneously facilitating transmission of the virus,” Ernest said as she spoke passionately about how COVID-19 has quickly travelled to many regions in Guyana. She said that by wearing face masks when in public, persons are at a lesser risk of contracting the virus because the mask serves as a barrier between an individual’s mouth or nose and any droplet that may be contaminated. “We should treat everyone as an infected person since we do not know who some persons have been in contact with,” she cautioned.
Ernest disclosed that as a person who wears spectacles, she has experienced the discomfort the masks have caused when wearing it with glasses but said that when she gets irritated about it, she reminds herself that the masks are for staying safe when in a public domain and advises that others do the same.
Additionally, she said that for persons who find it difficult to breathe while wearing masks, they should try as best as they can to either stay at home or in safe spaces where they will not be subjected to wearing these masks excessively.
Another person who has tried to educate himself about the deadly disease is a young man who said that while quarantining oneself is an option, it’s not likely that persons will want to continuously do it and people have needs which require that they leave their homes. Since public spaces are a hotspot for the transmission of the disease, face masks are the only way we can fight the virus for the time being until a vaccine is created, the young man, who asked to remain anonymous, said.
“Sometimes I don’t always wear my mask when I leave my home because I know I’m not leaving the car, I either can’t breathe properly or it makes me feel very hot but I always put it on when I go to public spaces. I prefer to feel uncomfortable than having to end up in the COVID-19 ICU and I definitely don’t want to spread it to anyone else I live with,” the youth declared.
Early adopter
Richard Prabudial who lives on the West Coast Demerara and has to commute to work daily said he started wearing his face masks since February. He explained that after the coronavirus started to spread around the globe, he became very diligent and decided to start taking precautions even before the disease was confirmed to be in Guyana. It was confirmed on March 11 with the death of a woman who had recently returned from New York.
Prabudial said that he would get strange looks at first but once more people started wearing masks in public and it became a sort of “norm”, he felt more comfortable. Not to mention that he was more concerned with his own health and safety than about what others thought. He added that he supports the mandate of wearing face masks in public because, according to experts, “the wearing of mask is the best prevention method.” And while the face masks can be irritating after a long wear, he thinks that if persons are considering their safety, then wearing the face mask should be tolerable.
Another, Chris (only name given), said that he wears his mask whenever he has to be in any public space because it provides protection for not just himself but others around him but he added that he has heard some persons say that they don’t wear face masks because they aren’t sick. He said this should not be an excuse for not wearing one. “Studies have shown that the virus can still be spread if you are asymptomatic. Therefore, the excuse of “I’m not sick” should not stop you from wearing a mask. Not wearing a mask does not only put you at risk but other persons in your immediate household who may be susceptible to contracting the virus if you were to bring it home,” he said.
While some persons understand why the use of masks is needed, two journalists also disclosed to this newspaper that they have had many issues while using a mask and while they support the mandate, they find it very difficult to always follow this precaution.
One of them said that she has been avoiding the use of masks because its use often results in her suffering from dyspnea (shortness of breath). She said that she has always had instances where she couldn’t be under sheets for too long or have any material covering her nose and mouth because she can easily run out of air. Since wearing masks is a precaution against COVID-19, she said that she has decided to avoid having to go out in public so she doesn’t have to wear masks. She also mentioned that when she recently wore a mask, she hyperventilated a lot due to the fabric obstructing her breathing. Those times, she had to take off her mask in an effort to regain her normal breathing pattern.
The other person said that she suffers from asthma, which she developed during her teenage years, and finds it quite difficult to go about her normal daily routine while wearing a mask. She said that on the occasion where it was necessary for her to wear it, she had to take breaks from wearing it while in public. She explained that she would seclude herself and take off her mask then when she could breathe normally again, she would put it back on and return to business. She said that to avoid the suffocating feeling when wearing the mask, she tries to avoid the public at all costs.
With Guyana entering the third phase of the reopening of the economy even as the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise, the wearing of face masks is now a requirement for all persons when in public spaces. Further, the national curfew has been amended to the hours of 8pm to 6am. It should be noted however that the curfew period will only be applicable in Regions Five and Six on Saturdays and Sundays. The working arrangements for public and private sector workers has been changed, as well as the opening hours for food services and restaurants which have been extended to allow not only delivery, drive-thru, curb-side pickup and take away services from 6am to midnight. Outdoor dining at restaurants has been added and will be permitted from 6am to 6pm only where tables are spaced six feet apart from each other and no more than four persons are seated at least three feet apart at one table.
Failure to comply with any of the measures outlined is an offence committed under section 152 of the Public Health Ordinance and is liable on summary conviction to the penalty provided under said section.
