Tourism Authority to monitor restaurants for COVID-19 dining compliance

-those found in breach to get month-long bans

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has said restaurants which qualify for indoor dining under the current COVID-19 measures would be monitored and those found in breach of the regulations will be banned from reopening for one-month.

GTA Director Carla James was reported as saying by the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Friday that eateries must apply to the Authority for permission. They must also submit their Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs), which must align with the COVID19 measures, and other health and sanitation protocols.

Once the documents are submitted, the GTA would do a desk review and advise the entity of any deficiencies that need to be addressed. This would be followed by an on-site inspection of the premises to verify that the establishment has everything in place relating to the

COVID-19 guidelines, and that they reflect the information provided in their SOPs.

“Once that is done and they meet all the requirements, we will then grant them conditional approval to open at 40 per cent capacity. Patrons must look out for sign that will be placed [on the establishment] once the property is approved,” James is quoted as saying.

The Director also noted that the GTA would be supporting the businesses by publicising their names so citizens would know where they can dine safely.

James also said monitoring is key to ensuring that the systems in place are working effectively and the GTA is taking a firm stance on breaches. She explained,

“Businesses who are in breach will be banned from reopening for a month and we know that this something that they will not want because they want to remain open to have some revenue coming out their business because they have not been able to operate for quite a number of months. We hope that they do everything that they can and follow the rules so that we don’t have to ban anyone so to speak from operating.”

The report said the GTA intends to employ various methods of monitoring, including making unannounced visits for inspections. The Authority would also be conducting a survey where patrons can provide feedback.