Dear Editor,

AMCHAM Guyana notes with deep concern the growing number of positive diagnosed Covid19 cases in Guyana. The virus has spread worldwide with devastating consequences for many countries, and the Chamber urges the Public Health Authorities in Guyana and all citizens to adequately prepare for the inevitable spread of the virus in Guyana.
All precautions must be taken to slow the spread of this disease and protect our most vulnerable members of society.

We commend the Authorities on steps taken to secure our children with the closure of schools, and the regular information provided however, AMCHAM believes that more aggressive measures are needed at this time. Amcham calls on the relevant Public Health authorities to follow the lead of our CARICOM neighbors, and other world leaders, in imposing strict travel restrictions and following the WHO guidelines on imposing quarantine. We call on the private sector to support the national efforts by offering alternative work from home arrangements, engaging in sanitation exercises in all businesses and providing the tools for workers to engage in safe practices. We encourage businesses to help make quarantine more comfortable for patients, such as reduced data and phone call charges so that persons can still be in touch with their loved ones; or donations of food, formula, toiletries and cleaners for less fortunate households. Let us continue our efforts as a country to identify, isolate and treat all those persons who are ill.
AMCHAM stands ready to assist the Public Health Authority in any way we can.

Regards,
Sarah Shaffie
Executive Assistant
AMCHAM Guyana Inc.