In an effort to strengthen steps against social gatherings, the Government has moved to force the closure of entertainment and other spots from 6 pm daily.

In a statement on ongoing measures to fight the coronavirus, President David Granger today said “the Government, in order to strengthen containment measures, will close public gathering at places of entertainment, including bars, clubs, gymnasiums, night clubs, restaurants and swimming pools, between the hours of 18:00 hours and 06:00 hours (6:00 pm and 6 am) with effect from midnight (23:59 hours) on Friday 3rd April 2020”.

Additional restrictions are expected to be rolled out by this weekend.

In his statement, Mr. Granger said Guyana is not alone in its fight against the coronavirus. He noted a meeting was held with partners from international and non-governmental organisations to coordinate the planning of mitigative and preventative actions against the short- and long-term impacts of the virus on all sectors of the country.

The President said with the rising number of cases in Guyana, it is now clear that several other measures must be put in place to keep the public safe.

The international airports will remain closed and the Civil Aviation Authority has also suspended the operation of flights to and from the border regions.

Schools will remain closed and visits to the elderly homes have been suspended.

The President said “fighting the pandemic requires the continuous, collective action of all citizens and the entire country”.

Guyana has recorded 19 cases of the coronavirus. Of the 19 cases, four persons have succumbed to the disease, with two of those deaths being recorded yesterday.

Some regions have already instituted curfews and other measures of their own to fight the coronavirus. President Granger has welcomed those measures.

There have been calls for a total lockdown of Georgetown by some citizens, but the Mayor of Georgetown has indicated that all necessary measures have to be put in place before such a lockdown could be instituted.

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