Guyana and Suriname still to work out travel protocols as ferry service set to restart

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony today said while the two nations might have different COVID-19 protocols for travel, they will seek to develop one standard protocol.

Guyana and Suriname still to work out travel protocols as ferry service set to restart

Guyana and Suriname are still to finalise their health protocols for cross-border travel between the two countries as the Guyana-Suriname ferry service is set to restart next week.

Already, there are hundreds of Cuban nationals camping out at the ferry terminal in Suriname waiting to cross over into Guyana.

In the coming days, health officials from the two countries are expected to meet and finalize the health protocols for travel.

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony today said while the two nations might have different COVID-19 protocols for travel, they will seek to develop one standard protocol.

“We have been working on developing an agreement between Guyana and Suriname as it relates to health…those discussions are still ongoing. In addition to that, we have been working with the Surinamese Authority to ensure we can synchronize our guidelines and protocols for the reopening of the Moleson Creek Port.” Dr. Anthony noted. 

Minister Anthony explained that synchronization is required so that there might not be “a mix up” in the manner in which the travelling protocol is implemented.

“As you know, our guidelines are fairly stringent. We require a PCR test, within 72 hours, and then you would be allowed to go without quarantine. If that PCR is beyond 72 hours but within 7 days then would have to do a second PCR Test upon arrival in Guyana. Suriname protocol is slightly different, so, in addition to the PCR test that they require, they also require people to be in quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival.

The ferry crossing between the two countries was suspended back in March as coronavirus cases were detected in both countries.

Just last week, following meetings between the two governments, a decision was made to reopen the crossing.

While Suriname has seen an ease in the spread of coronavirus cases, Guyana continues to see its numbers climbing with more than 150 new cases being recorded in the past two days alone.

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