Santa Rosa starts 14-day lockdown from Sunday

The Toshao of Moruca has confirmed that the officials in that Region One (Barima-Waini) community have implemented a 14-day lockdown due to the high number of COVID-19 cases. It is expected to become effective Sunday. Toshao Wanita Phillips stated that the residents of Moruca are expressing a carefree attitude towards the pandemic and the strict orders given. That area is worrying Guyana because of its nearness to Venezuela. Thousands of Venezuelans have made it into Guyana using the border area. Phillips insisted that this is the only way to keep residents inside for a while.

Among the major concerns are that residents are not wearing face masks, breaching the 6pm-6am curfew as well as roaming the roads for non-essential purposes. The 14-day lockdown measures include restrictions on vending which is permitted within the hours of 8am11am on Mondays-Fridays; residents are only allowed to go to shops for necessities during that time; that face masks are compulsory in public spaces and the 6pm6am curfew will be in full effect. It was further stated that one cargo boat will be allowed during the lockdown to distribute hampers to the residents of Moruca. Residents have been receiving hampers during the pandemic from the Amerindian People’s Association (APA) and other donors including the Santa Rosa Family and Friends organization. Approximately 300 hampers have been donated and more were expected to be received this weekend.

(Kaieteur News)