The Guyana Public Service Union today blasted the Government over the new COVID-19 guidelines, describing them as discriminatory against persons who do not wish to be vaccinated against the deadly virus.

In a statement, the GPSU said the approach is encroaching on the rights of citizens and amounts to an abuse of power by the Government.

Under the recently updated COVID-19 guidelines, persons visiting Government offices must prove that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Those who are unvaccinated are being asked to make an appointment for any visits.

Additionally, several government departments and agencies are now requiring staff members to get vaccinated or be forced to produce a weekly COVID-19 test negative result at their own cost.

The GPSU believes the Government is abusing its power with some of the recommendations and it believes more sensible protocols should be put in place to stem the spread of the virus.

The GPSU believes public servants should be returned to a rotation work system while a stricter curfew is introduced.

The union is also recommending more enforcement of the physical distancing and sanitizing protocols.

The GPSU said it believes that vaccination alone cannot stop the spread of the virus, but more protocols should be followed.

The union is of the view that while everyone should be encouraged to vaccinate, persons should only do so voluntarily and in keeping with the approved World Health Organization vaccination standards.

 “Notwithstanding the support for vaccination efforts, GPSU acknowledges and will fiercely defend the rights of any citizen, particularly its members who refuse treatment and medical intervention as well as those who wish to keep their medical information confidential. These rights are enshrined in the Medical Practitioners’ Act NO. 16 of 1991 and Patient Charter 2008 of the Ministry of Health”, the GPSU statement said.

The union said the Labour Minister and the Health Minister should both be reminded of their statements about the vaccine not being mandatory.

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