THE Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) has appealed for a “full closure” of bars and all places of entertainment, as a measure of reducing the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The association’s call followed President David Granger’s announcement of a curfew for public gathering at bars, clubs, gymnasiums, night clubs, restaurants and swimming pools, between the hours of 06:00 hours and 18:00 hours, starting from Friday at midnight.
“However, in light of the new study done yesterday by the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) and the Ministry of Public Health which revealed that Guyana can see over 20,000 cases of the new coronavirus by May 5, 2020, is worrying, to say the least,” said THAG.

In this regard, the association appealed for the complete closure of bars and all places of entertainment for an initial period of two weeks, after which the situation should be reassessed.

The calls come at a time when Guyana has recorded 19 cases of COVID-19, with four deaths. Globally, the number of cases has surpassed one million, while the number of deaths is nearing 50,000. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

WHO said most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.  Older persons and those with underlying medical problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

WHO believes that the best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well-informed about the virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads.

“Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently and not touching your face. The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practise respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow),” WHO advised.