THE novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has brought the world to a proverbial standstill whilst governments grapple with the far-reaching implications of this global pandemic. Many governments have responded by implementing city and nationwide lockdowns in order to curtail the spread of COVID-19. In Wuhan, China where the virus originated, the Chinese government implemented and executed a thorough and effective lockdown in the City, which all but completely eradicated the spread of the virus in mere weeks.
Since then, a number of other affected cities and nations have taken this course of action in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. In Italy and Spain, two of the most heavily-affected nations, the most restrictive travel restrictions since World War II have been put in place in order to stop citizens from leaving their homes as the Army patrols the streets to enforce these orders.
In the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, similar measures have been implemented to contain the spread of COVID-19. Nonetheless, new cases are being reported daily, and the death toll remains ever increasing. Regional neighbours like Trinidad and Tobago have instituted lockdown protocols, as their healthcare professionals work assiduously to care for a growing number of infected persons. Whilst the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Guyana is relatively low, there are increasing calls from all sections of Guyana for a total lockdown of the country.
Several major commercial hubs and towns have so far imposed curfews as a response to stop the spread of COVID-19. In Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), the Mayor and Town Council of Linden, in collaboration with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) initiated a curfew to battle the spread of COVID-19. According to the curfew, anyone found on the road after 20:00 hrs. (8pm) will be subject to a search by ranks of the Guyana Police Force, and any further action will be taken in the event it is required. Similarly, in Corentyne, Berbice (Region Six), the No.52-74 Neighbourhood Democratic Council has also implemented a number of measures to stem the spread of COVID-19, among them: Restrictions on dining at bars and restaurants; the closure of these businesses by 16:00hrs; and the requirement that residents are home by 19:00hrs. Large gatherings have also been prohibited, with most businesses being able to stay open until 19:00hrs. In New Amsterdam, a curfew has been imposed, and residents are subject to similar restrictions aimed at curtailing the spread of COVID-19 within the community.
In Georgetown, the central business district and main financial hub in Guyana, most businesses have been operating with limited restrictions, and without any overall consensus on which of them should be closed and which ones are required to stay open. Nonetheless, President Granger has now imposed a curfew for public gatherings at places of entertainment, such as bars, clubs, nightclubs, gyms, swimming pools and restaurants, which will now only be able to operate between 06:00hrs and 18:00hrs. Whilst the government’s National Response to COVID-19 plan has been initiated, and largely addresses many of the healthcare concerns emanating from this global pandemic, it has, nonetheless, been criticised as not being enough to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Citizens are demanding an entire lockdown of the nation, including all businesses which are non-essential.
From all indications, however, it appears that the government is reluctant to take such a course of action, perhaps being mindful of the need for financial relief, owing to the economic and societal impacts such a move would have on poor and working-class citizens especially. And without any sort of financial stimulus package or plan for those who might need help at this time, it may be prudent to continue monitoring the situation as it develops, before instituting a lockdown plan. Nonetheless, President Granger has initiated a widespread series of measures, which, if properly implemented, should mitigate the need to enforce a complete lockdown on Georgetown in particular, but Guyana in general.
Frustrated Guyanese often lament that we are a reactionary society, and that we rarely take things as seriously as we should. Indeed, the governmental response to combatting COVID-19 has been swift and decisive, but citizens have been slow to respond by following the requisite public health advisories, particularly as it pertains to social distancing and staying at home. In a series of public health advisories, the Ministry of Public Health has sought to inform and advise citizens on how best to stop the spread of COVID-19, but the City remains busy, as many citizens refuse to stay at home. It would be a deeply lamentable situation should Guyana experience a surge in COVID-19 cases, particularly in light of our healthcare sector’s limited ability to respond to a pandemic of this magnitude.
