Following a rapid increase of COVID-19 cases in St Ignatius, persons not resident in the village are now required to seek permission from the council before entering the community.
St Ignatius, which is the largest indigenous community in Region Nine, is located on the outskirts of Lethem in the Central Rupununi District. The measures also apply to its satellite communities – Kumu and Quarrie.
A notice put out by the Village Council states, “Due to the recent rapid increase of COVID-19 infections within our community, the Village has instituted the following measures and urge your strict adherence.”
These measures include a six pm to six am curfew which commenced on Monday and will last until July 5, 2021. All shops are required to be closed by 6 pm and persons are advised not to leave their yard space unless it is absolutely necessary.
“Non-villagers entering St Ignatius, Kumu and Quarrie titled lands should seek permission from the village council before doing so. We urge that you strictly adhere [to and] observe all COVID-19 protocols as we strive for a safer and healthier community,” the notice further stated.
According to Chairman Bryan Allicock, the Region now has over 300 active cases with the highest number of infections being recorded in St Ignatius and Sand Creek in the South Rupununi. Allicock stated that based on his last report, Sand Creek currently has 92 active COVID-19 cases and has recorded one death over the weekend.
In an effort to curb the spread, he said, the Regional Democratic Council has been visiting the various indigenous communities to sensitise and educate residents about COVID-19 and vaccines. He added that the police are also involved in those campaigns so that persons would be made aware of the penalties if they breach the COVID-19 measures.
“We are recording more cases on a daily basis that is why we are trying to get our people sensitised so as to advise them about the risks [of COVID-19] and the benefits about taking the vaccine,” he said.
