Early curfew has to be reimposed to tackle COVID-19

Dear Editor,

The cases of COVID-19 in Guyana are increasing each day at an alarming rate. There are currently 623 known cases of this deadly virus which does not account for the unknown cases. The Government may eventually have to consider a lockdown of the country in an effort to stem the spiralling cases and to ensure the safety of all citizens. The challenges associated with a lockdown are recognized. There will have to be measures put in place by the Government to provide assistance to those who require it during a lockdown. Once these measures can be implemented, a lockdown will be advisable.

Prime Minister Dr.Minnis of The Bahamas has instituted a lockdown on each island in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The Bahamas has 679 reported COVID cases and 14 deaths.

The Government of Guyana has recently demonstrated completely irresponsible behaviour in the face of this virus by having a mass gathering in the form of an Inauguration ceremony at the National Cultural Centre, an enclosed air-conditioned venue. If there was any seriousness being paid to ensuring the safety of its citizens at this time, the Government ought to have deferred or cancelled such a gathering which was replete with pomp and pageantry at the time of this virus. The swearing in of the Ministers at the Convention Centre was also a risk, moreso since it seemed that photographs of the Ministers, in an act of vanity, all necessitated the removal of face masks so that their features might be better identifiable. Such irresponsible behaviour could have resulted in the infection of many persons with the virus.

Sadly, we have learnt that Minister Hugh Todd has tested positive for this virus. Minister Todd has certainly done the rounds recently and has no doubt been in contact with numerous persons who must now be fearful for their safety.

Press releases indicate that, apart from the swearing in and the illadvised inauguration, he held familiarization meetings with staffers of

the Ministry and a press conference with the Surinamese president and Foreign Minister, Ramdin.

I cringed when I saw the picture in the press of Minister Todd with these officials and President Ali, with no social distancing protocols observed and all maskless.

This is not only peculiar to Minister Todd. The same can most likely be the case for several other persons who attended these social gatherings.

The Members and Heads of the respective disciplined services, whose attendance and participation at the inauguration is a matter of compulsion without any discretion, have been recklessly exposed.

There has to be some good sense prevailing at this time and it has to start with the Government! The fact that a Minister of Health was not immediately appointed at the time of the swearing-in of the President and others Ministers, is a clear illustration that the virus was not, and is not, being taken seriously by this Government. If they are demonstrating a complete lack of regard for the precautionary protocols to curb the spread of this virus, then how can we expect our citizens to do the same?

It is reported that all Ministers have been advised to work remotely. What about the other members of the work force who have been in contact with Minister Todd? The remote working from home which has now been directed to the Ministers of Government ought to be extended to all levels in order to flatten the curve and reduce cases of this virus.

There has to be mandatory face mask wearing by all Guyanese and strict penalties for breach of such a direction. There has to be a ban on all social gatherings. Persons should remain at home unless only necessary. The decision to reopen bars and restaurants has to be revisited.

I have seen the release in the press by

Giftland Mall of the proposed reopening of the cinemas today. My immediate reaction was one of horror and disbelief. This is a foolhardy and risky decision.

There has to be the re-imposition of strictly-enforced early curfews and measures put in place to ensure compliance with all safety guidelines regarding this virus.

Unless all Guyanese work together towards curbing the spread of this virus, it will have dire consequences for the lives and safety of us all.

Yours faithfully Stephanie Isaacs