OVERSEAS-based Guyanese who wish to return home in light of the COVID-19 outbreak are urged to contact their respective embassies or consulates. This was announced by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson.

“They will take your information and they will notify you if and when there is the possibility of flights returning to Guyana,” Minister Patterson related during an interview on the National Communications Network.

According to the minister, considerations will be made by the Guyana Government to grant access to flights, depending on the number of persons who make contact with embassies abroad.

“We don’t have any scheduled flights as yet but as the time goes on and as we get a full update of how many persons and where and how many need the assistance, we will make that decision,” Minister Patterson confirmed.

As of midnight March 18, 2020, both of the country’s major airports – the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the Eugene F. Correia International Airport — were closed to international flights while domestic flights continue.

The government has so far granted access for American Airlines and newcomer- Eastern Airlines, to land at the CJIA for Americans seeking to return to the US.
Chief Executive Officer of CJIA, Ramesh Ghir, on Friday disclosed on NCN’s COVID-19 National Update programme that the airport has put additional measures in place to protect outgoing passengers.

These measures include a stoppage to parallel lines and instead, have passengers stand feet apart to promote social distancing. Additionally, airport protocol now dictates that if a pat-down is needed, it is to be done behind the passenger rather than having face-to-face contact. Hand sanitizers are also placed at strategic locations throughout the airport.
To date, Caribbean Airlines will only operate flights leaving Guyana for New York between March 20 through March 31. The airline has also received permission to assist Cubans in returning to their home country. (DPI)