— private businesses ‘step up’ to distribute free sanitation products

By Naomi Parris
IN light of confirmation of a coronavirus case here, pharmacies and supermarkets have experienced an influx of customers purchasing hand sanitisers, face masks, and vitamin C supplements and many of them have hiked their prices for some of these products.
Despite condemnation by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCCA), some stores and supermarkets have doubled or even tripled their prices for the said products which have caused a blow to the pockets of the common man.

In light of this, some private businesses, like Sheriff Security, have taken up the mantle to assist the common man in whatever way they can.

Dave Choonillal, a manager of Sheriff Security, told the Guyana Chronicle that the company decided to assist the common man since many businesses either have sold out or have raised the prices of sanitation products to an unscrupulous amount.

Choonillal explained to this publication that the company was, at first, unable to purchase face masks in bulk because of the limited amount available in stores.

This, he noted, raised a concern of how the common man, who may not have access to various sanitary products, are getting by. As such, when face masks became available, the company decided to distribute same to the general public free of cost.

“We actually went out as a company to purchase mask for our workers. We initially tried to get mask for our clients as well because they are a priority but we were denied to purchase mask in bulk and with that it raised some eyebrows to the fact this is an epidemic that is spreading and how can the common man get access,” Chonillal stated.

He added that in the coming days when more sanitation products become available, the company will make same available to the general public.

However, it was noted that face masks are not 100 per cent effective but persons are advised to not to wear them for more than one day. Persons are also advised to wash their hands regularly.

It is also advised that persons avoid large gatherings and keep at least two metres to o.5 metres from each other.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Health has established a hotline that will provide information on the coronavirus. Members of the public can call 227-4986 ext. 215 or 624 3067 for information and assistance.