Citing the new COVID-19 vaccine requirement, residents from the hinterland regions are calling for something to be done so that they can travel from their areas.
In November, the new COVID-19 measures which were imposed saw the government changing its interpretation of vaccinated to mean someone who has received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. In a letter to this newspaper one Imbaimadai, Region Seven resident who identified himself as Pastor Orrin, stated that, “Unlike many other Hinterland Regions in Guyana, the Upper Mazaruni has this distinct function, only air travel to and from Georgetown is possible here.”
As such he noted that the enforcement of the requirement to be fully vaccinated to travel out of the location is creating tension in the area. To this end he mentioned that many persons in the area have received first doses and are “stranded” as the second dose is not available.
Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony during his update yesterday, when asked about a similar situation in Ekereku, Region Seven noted that the ministry would have visited almost every community in the country to provide vaccinations.
“Unfortunately when we visited some of these communities, people refused to be vaccinated. Nevertheless, if there is a particular problem in this area, we are willing to send in a team to get people vaccinated,” the Minister said.
In the letter to Stabroek News, Pastor Orrin suggested that the task force and the aviation authority allow persons with one dose of a vaccine to be able to travel as it is easier to acquire a second dose in Georgetown.
