Lawrence calls on Government to reestablish free testing sites for COVID-19

The PNC Chairperson said the Opposition remains open to assisting the Government with its plans and programmes to fight the pandemic. However, the Government has not responded to the requests of the Opposition.

Lawrence calls on Government to reestablish free testing sites for COVID-19

Chairperson of the People’s National Congress and Former Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence today called on the Government to reestablish free COVID-19 testing sites across the country to gain more control of the pandemic and to assist those persons who have decided against vaccination.

Guyana continues to see a surge in new COVID-19 cases and deaths. Over 3000 new cases have been recorded in the past two weeks. 

Lawrence said while she encourages vaccination, the rights of citizens must also be respected and therefore systems should be put in place by the government to accommodate everyone.

“We are at that stage where there are persons who will not take the vaccine for one reason or the other, whether its medical or whether it is their own view, and it is their human right to determine whether they want the vaccine or not want the vaccine so when we promote and get over the hurdles with those persons who would like to take the vaccines buts have questions. We have to ensure that we provide a mechanism so that those persons who are against taking the vaccines, have access to PCR testing,” Lawrence reasoned.

PNC Chairperson Volda Lawrence

Lawrence stayed clear of criticizing the government’s response to the pandemic and its handling of new cases. She said politics should be left out of health.

“I think we are in a pandemic, and we have to take the politics out of health. I have said that as a Minister that the politics must left outside of the gate, because in the health sector is about saving lives and I think that is what should be the Minister’s main focus,” Ms. Lawrence said.  

The PNC Chairperson said the Opposition remains open to assisting the Government with its plans and programmes to fight the pandemic. However, the Government has not responded to the requests of the Opposition.

The Minister of Health and the Government have come under heavy criticism for their handling of the pandemic and reopening of an ill-prepared country as the cases continue to surge.  

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