Lock down hours remain the same

“As minister of Health I have mixed feelings. The situation in the country can be deemed stable. But I must also express my concern regarding the most important factor and that is human behaviour,” said Health Minister Amar Ramadhin on Sunday.

The Minister expressed his concern in response to the things that can be seen on the street. There is a growing number of parties and a growing number of rules are being broken. Social media is filled with of all this. “It is December. We know that everybody is in a party mood. But I want to emphasize that we will lose countrymen if we do not change this behaviour. It is unavoidable that more Surinamese people will end up in the hospitals. Infections will most certainly increase if we stick to this behaviour. We will keep monitoring things. We will also keep urging citizens to think of their own responsibility in all of this. Our positive attitude can help all of us to prevent a new wave of infections,” said the Health minister. A number of measures will remain in effect until December 21 to keep the situation in Suriname under control. The stay-at-home order will remain in effect from 11 pm until 5 am. People are also not allowed to convene in groups of more than 30 people. It is forbidden to organize parties, house parties included. Public transportation is only allowed if people stick to the safety protocol for public transportation on land and water. Brothels, bars night clubs, dance clubs and similar businesses must remain closed. There will be sanctions if these businesses break the rules. Restaurants and other commercial food houses may only provide take-out service or outdoor service at their terrace. Face masks are still mandatory and people must also remain at a distance of at least 1.5 meters from each other. People must also wash or disinfect their hands regularly. Statistics indicate that three COVID-19 patients are at the IC.