Vaccination or PCR test now needed to access private buildings
-acting Leader of Opposition condemns move
Persons who want to enter privately-owned buildings to which the public has lawful access now have to be vaccinated or alternatively will have to show evidence of a recent negative PCR test or make an appointment.
This requirement applies to privately-held buildings such as malls, supermarkets and institutions of learning. The measure was gazetted on Saturday and it is now left to be seen whether it will be enforced by businesses.
The measure had previously applied only to state buildings.
Saturday’s measure represents a further tightening of COVID regulations as the government strives to up the vaccination level.
The new gazetted order also says that where an employee who works in a public building is unvaccinated and wishes to enter the building that person must present a negative PCR test taken within seven days of the day.
The new order promulgated was condemned by acting Opposition Leader Roysdale Forde SC.
In a statement yesterday, he said: “The Office of the Leader of the Opposition has taken note of the new COVID-19 measures gazetted by the installed PPP regime which now require that any person who wishes to enter public buildings, privately owned businesses, schools and places of worship must be vaccinated or provide a negative PCR test taken within the past seven days.
“This measure is wholly authoritarian. It effectively mandates and imposes vaccination on every citizen. This measure runs contrary to all the tenets of personal liberties including an individual’s freedom of conscience as enshrined in Article 147 of the Constitution.
“This measure represents the erosion of the rights of the citizens and imposes executive tyranny on the citizens of Guyana”.
He said that the new order underlines that the PPP/C government remains without a plan to combat the spread of COVID-19 and is implementing ad hoc, arbitrary and whimsical measures which completely disregard the rights of citizens.
He said that countries throughout CARICOM have pointedly refused to adopt measures that the PPP/C is “bullish” in implementing.
“We call on the PPP to immediately rescind this onerous and unconstitutional measure and immediately engage in an emergency all stakeholders forum to chart a prudent and responsible National COVID-19 Management Plan. The APNU+AFC… remains ready and willing to contribute. Indeed it is obligatory that our involvement is treated with the highest priority”, he said.
He called on the PPP/C government to take note of the decision of the Prime Minister of Jamaica, who has engaged the Leader of the Opposition there to meet on the issue of the rampant spread of COVID in that country.
“We call on the PPP to follow suit post haste. The PPP must immediately cease and desist from the wild and reckless approach it has adopted which only benefits its acolytes and financiers and leaves the people of the nation isolated, locked out and vulnerable”, Forde declared.
Giftland
Meanwhile, the Giftland Mall yesterday announced its own steps following Saturday’s gazetted order.
In a statement, Giftland noted that the ministry has implemented a number of preventative measures to alleviate the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Guyana.
“Following the latest gazette, the Giftland Group has commenced planning to adjust to these new restrictions that will take effect on Thursday, September 9th, 2021. Despite 99% of the Giftland Group employees being vaccinated, this timeline will allow the store owners, employees, mall workers, suppliers and customers to become fully compliant in the shortest time possible, without disruption of business and to ensure a smooth transition for complete compliance with the new regulations.
“…Our patrons are advised to walk with their vaccination cards and a valid ID Card/License to gain entry at the mall, as this will be a primary requirement by law. Stepby-step verification will be done to ensure everyone in the mall adheres to these news rules and if anyone is in possession or produces false documents they will be sent to the relevant authorities.
“At the Giftland Mall, we ensure that our concessions and staff are fully compliant with all public health measures to ensure maximum protection which has been our paramount priority since the inception of the pandemic. These efforts will minimize the pandemic’s impact which will allow citizens to be further protected including the spread of new and concerning variants”, the statement said.