Dear Editor,
Please permit me to respond to an article in your newspaper yesterday, Thursday March 26, 2020 captioned, “Lethem on temporary lockdown.”
May I state it here as clear as crystal; I chaired a meeting yesterday in my office to discuss the revelation that there was a confirmed case of the coronavirus in Bom Fim, next door to Lethem.

In that meeting, where the Regional Chairman, the Mayor, and the Police Regional Commander were present among others, it was recommended that these actions be taken.
I was further mandated by the committee to inform my subject minister, who will then take those recommendations to the Ministerial Task Force for ratification.
We are presently awaiting the approval of those recommendations.

Therefore, I would like to inform the general public that Lethem is not under any lockdown, nor is the crossing at Kurupukari restricted.

However, in the interest of preventing the spread of this dreaded virus, we are asking all residents to take all necessary precautions that are so frequently posted, this include, but not limited to, restricted travel, social distancing, and avoidance of crowds.
These measures are to be taken by choice rather than enforced.

I would also urge media houses to contact the Office of the Regional Executive Officer on telephone numbers 772-2021, 679-0848; or the Regional Health Officer on telephone number 695-6681 to get the facts as it relates to the region’s response to COVID-19.

Regards,
Carl Parker