As COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise sharply in Guyana, the emergency health measures which were put in place to slow the spread of the virus have been extended to September 30th even as the nationwide 6pm to 6am curfew will resume from today.
The COVID-19 Emergency measures No.9 which were yesterday gazetted will take effect from today and last until September 30th unless otherwise amended, extended or terminated by the Minister of Health.
The extended measures see the re-imposition of the 6pm to 6am curfew nationwide while only a few changes were made to the extended measures. The curfew had previously been shortened to 8pm to 6am and later 9pm to 5am as part of the phased reopening but this has now been reeled back in.
Food services and restaurants will be allowed to be opened for delivery, pick-up, drive-thru and outdoor dining services from 6am to 5pm.
Even as the wearing of face masks in public was made mandatory, the updated measures note that any person who is seen not wearing a face mask which is fitted to cover their nose and mouth commits an offence and will be liable on summary conviction to the penalty provided under Section 152 of the Public Health Ordinance.
Fisherfolk have now been added to the list of essential service providers. The essential services can operate during curfew hours.
Additionally, non-essential travel in or out of Regions Seven, Eight and Nine will be restricted during the period from September 1st to 30th. “Travel shall only be permitted where it is connected to an essential service”, the order says.
Bars, clubs and gyms are still not allowed to be opened as restrictions on social activities remain. All other restrictions from the previous emergency orders will remain.
