AS a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which has created ripple effects worldwide, the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown, on Thursday, unveiled a raft of measures to tackle and mitigate the spread of the virus.

In order to safeguard the public health of the citizenry of Georgetown and the public at large, City Hall announced that the permission for public gatherings of more than five persons will not be granted; but that does not include the presence of members of our City Constabulary and other persons engaged in essential duties.

Public places will be closed except essential services / essential service providers. Bars and restaurants will operate between 06:00 hours and 18:00 hours. (6:00 am – 6:00 pm) As well as gymnasiums, movie theatres, libraries, play parks and other recreational facilities.
Restaurants will facilitate take-out and/or delivery services. Dining will be prohibited.
Hotels are to remain open, but are required to close pools, spas, gyms, tennis courts and other recreational facilities where persons cluster; hotel restaurants and bars to only operate room service, take out and/or delivery services.

The M&CC is also pleading with persons to desist from congregating in public places. They are also asking for all public and private offices to operate for no more than four hours daily and to limit persons at banks and other institutions unless the transactions are absolutely necessary and to continue to practise social distancing.

Although this might be an inconvenience to some, the M&CC explained that it stands resolute with the Government of Guyana in the combat of the COVID-19; as such, the notice is subject to change in accordance with national guidelines.

ESSENTIAL SERVICES / ESSENTIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS
Such services will continue to be provided. The list below is relevant:
Caregivers, for example, nurses and home helpers; collection, storage, purification and distribution of water for public use; hospitals, clinics and pharmacies; media and broadcasting services; medical and paramedical professionals; removal, handling or burial of deceased persons or disposal of dead animals; sanitation services for the collection, storage, treatment and disposal of sewage, garbage or refuse; security services (private); emergency first responders, the Joint Services; staff of pharmaceutical agencies; telecommunications providers; transport services and waterfront workers; supermarkets – provision of food supplies; provider of beverages and fuel service stations