Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony yesterday stated that a number of strict measures, including the requirement that those in attendance show proof of being fully vaccinated, are in place to ensure the upcoming West Indies versus Pakistan T20 international matches being hosted here are safe.
During his daily COVID-19 update, Anthony stated that a number of discussions were held among the various boards and regulatory authorities before the green light was given. He said that talks were held with the Guyana Cricket Board, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the National COVID-19 Task Force and Cricket West Indies.
Those discussions, he said, looked at how those matches can be hosted successfully with fans in attendance. “So we have decided that we’re gonna do a couple of things to make sure that people are safe. The first one is to make sure that those who would be attending the matches are fully vaccinated,” he said.
Additionally, he noted that the COVID-19 Task Force along with the Guyana Cricket Board visited the National Stadium and mapped out pathways for fans who would be coming in, which includes multiple checkpoints.
“So there’s a very elaborate process that a fan coming to watch these matches would have to go through. In terms of when you’re coming to the stadium, you’re required to show proof that you have been vaccinated,” he said while adding that this means persons will have to not only produce their vaccination cards but their identification cards to go with it.
He mentioned that even if persons have tickets, they will not be allowed to enter the stadium if they do not present proof of vaccination. In addition to that, the minister said that gates would be open early so as to prevent congregating even as there will be multiple entry points.
Patrons will be required to wear their masks at all times.
No concession stands will be opened within the compound, according to Anthony. This decision, he said, is to prevent persons from congregating at those points. Authorities have also put in place seating arrangements that will ensure that persons are not close to each other.
“Apart from that we will have health and medical personnel at the stadium, those persons are normally there whenever you have a match,” Anthony said. He added that along with that personnel from the Ministry of Health, personnel from the Civil Defence Commission will be present to ensure safety of those in attendance.
The first match to be hosted here will be held on Saturday.
