President announces new COVID-19 measures

President Chandrikapersad Santkohi recently announced the new COVID19 measures that will be in effect from Monday, August 10 until Sunday, August 23. The stayathome order or curfew is in effect from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. It is not allowed for more than 5 people to gather except if they are at work or at school. This also applies to parties, including house parties, religious gatherings and funerals. People are also required to wear a face mask outside of their homes and especially in public places. Restaurants and other food houses must resort to take out service. Only restaurants that have a terrace are allowed to let their clients consume their food as long as they stick to the COVID19 rules.

All of the nation’s sports schools and sports centers are closed until further notice. Sports that require physical contact are still banned. Sports activities that take place outdoors are allowed. Physiotherapy clinics, hair salons and barber shops are allowed to stay open for business as long as there is enough ventilation in the rooms which means that the windows must stay open at all times. The customers must stay at a distance of 1.5 meters from each other and they must also wear a face mask. Casinos, Suribet stores, bars, night clubs, dance clubs and brothels must stay closed.

Markets will remain open. The education process will go on but the schools are required to stick to the COVID19 prevention protocols of the Ministry of Education. Violators risk being given a hefty fine.

“We can only beat the virus, if we stick to the mandatory measures and collective responsibility. We will do this together for ourselves, for our children, for our beloved country Suriname,” said President Santokhi.