With the number of Coronavirus cases in the country climbing steadily, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony has issued a warning to bars and hangout spots that have been flouting the COVID-19 gazetted order which prohibits them from opening for business.

Bars and nightclubs were ordered closed since last March when the first gazetted order was announced. Although the order has been amended several times, allowing for some businesses to return to their regular operations, bars and nightclubs are to remain closed.

But the National COVID-19 Task Force has found several bars and hangout spots quietly reopening their doors and returning to full operations. Last weekend, at least four city bars were ordered closed by the Joint Services.

Today, the Health Minister said despite various forms of lobbying on behalf of bar owners, the order remains the same.

“Bars are not permitted to be open. A lot of people have been lobbying for us to open bars but this is prohibited by the order that was issued. I hope people can abide by the law because if you don’t, you will suffer the consequences”, the Minister said.

He noted too that efforts will be made to clamp down on those parties at secret locations.

Just last week, the National Task Force eased some of the measures on restaurants, allowing them to host indoor dining for up to 40% of their capacity. They should also have tables and chairs six feet apart.

The Health Minister said the Guyana Tourism Authority has been doing a good job with its efforts to ensure restaurants are following the guidelines.

Guyana has recorded more than 600 new cases of coronavirus in the past 20 days. Health officials continue to encourage citizens to follow the guidelines and protect themselves from the virus.

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