Partial lockdown extended with 2 weeks

The partial lockdown that started on March 29 and which was scheduled to last 2 weeks has been extended with an additional two weeks. “The security agencies and the virologists have sounded the alarm because individuals have managed to enter the country despite the fact that our borders are closed. The reality is that we are therefore facing the possibility of thousands of infected cases. We must approach this situation with the highest level of preparedness. That is why all the measures will be extended with 14 days,” said President Desi Bouterse on Friday. “There is an urgent change in the situation,” said the head of state who added that the government would stick to the three measures aimed at preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID19. The first measure is a curfew from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. The second measure is aimed keeping casinos closed and the third one is aimed at banning people from assembling if there are more than 10 of them. The president made it clear that the authorities would take firm action to make sure that people comply with the precautionary measures. “Suriname we are in a very serious situation. Our hinterland is in immediate danger and as a result of that all of us are in danger. Please cooperate or else we will have no other choice than to declare the state of emergency in our border regions. Our healthcare system can’t handle a spread. An outbreak in our hinterland would result in thousands of infections in no time. Even in the city,” said President Bouterse.