No Christmas entertainment events

– COVID task force warns

Citing the Omicron variant, the National COVID-19 Task Force yesterday said that the prohibition on entertainment events remains.

A statement from the task force said that it has noted a great demand by sections of the public to celebrate Christmas in the traditional ways as the festive season approaches. However, due to the current epidemiological situation, the Task Force said that the Emergency Measures will remain in full effect in order to protect the population from the Omicron variant which is spreading around the world.

In keeping with the Gazetted COVID-19 Emergency Measures, the Task Force reminded of the following:

It is prohibited to promote or host entertainment events;

It is prohibited to attend parties, receptions or discotheques. Activities at beaches, creeks and swimming pools are not permitted. The curfew is from 00:00 hours (midnight) to 04:00 hours (4:00 am).

The statement said that the Government of Guyana has taken the lead by suspending all Christmas parties/socials and will instead provide public sector employees with a holiday hamper. The Private Sector is encouraged to do likewise, the Task Force said.

It added that persons may also celebrate the traditional aspects of Christmas within their households. Religious observances are covered under the guidelines for Places of Worship in the Emergency Measures, Travelling should be limited to essential purposes only.

“The National COVID-19 Task Force would be taking a strong stance against unauthorised events, unregulated bars and street parties, breaches of the curfew and other infringements to the COVID Measures. Conditional approvals may be given for specific activities on request”, it said.