THE Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS), in an effort to encourage persons to wear masks and protect themselves against the COVID-19 pandemic, has been distributing free masks countrywide to citizens.

According to GHDS President, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, citizens need to wear masks to safeguard themselves. At the moment, masks are in limited supply, and, as a result, many persons cannot afford the prices at leading retail outlets.

Speaking on the Sabha’s massive distribution exercise countrywide, she said volunteers are currently working in Essequibo, Berbice, and Demerara to sew the masks for distribution. Already, masks were distributed in Central Corentyne, East Coast Demerara, Georgetown, Upper Corentyne and West Berbice. The exercise will continue in other areas. Dr Persaud said that in the coming week, 30,000 cotton masks will be completed, crafted and distributed by the Sabha.

“This will be an ongoing process. We express our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has responded to our appeal and supported, donated, sewed, or distributed. We are humbled to see the love and care that Guyanese have shown for each other during this process,” she said.

The GHDS president is, therefore, encouraging persons to continue to wear their masks and practise social distancing and hand-washing to save lives. The West Berbice Praant will also be giving food hampers to the elderly and underprivileged.