AS Guyana and the world over continue to combat the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Ethnic Relations Commission, (ERC) believes two key components of this fight are love and compassion.

The ERC, in a press statement, on Saturday, said it was making a “stirring plea” to all persons, to remain peaceful and demonstrate love and compassion toward each other in the current COVID-19 crisis. The commission reminded persons that the coronavirus is not restricted to any ethnic group(s) and anyone can be affected.

“The ERC recognises that the March, 2020 elections impasse and the coronavirus pandemic have dealt a double blow to the social, cultural and economic life of every Guyanese. The ERC, being a non-political body established since 2002 with the support of all sides in parliament, has among its functions, to
“Encourage and create respect for religious, cultural and other forms of diversity in a plural society,” said the commission.

In this regard, the ERC said that, in maintaining national harmony, everyone should put their head, heart and hands together in their village, neighbourhood or town to fight the disease. The relevant collective actions required of all citizens will hopefully overcome the threats confronting the nation.

The ERC said it was ready to endorse any initiative which fosters cohesion and understanding at this time when society grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic in the months ahead. The commission lauded the actions of many agencies and individuals both in the public and private sectors, which are already rendering selfless service to preserve the health and well-being of everyone.

The Commission, mindful of the inundated tasks to manage and safeguard lives, commended all medical practitioners on the front line for their relentless dedication to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

Locally, there are more than 60 cases of COVID-19, with six deaths. And, with no approved treatment or cure, there is no assurance that persons will survive after contracting the disease. In the absence of approved medication, governments and authorities across the world have employed a number of preventative measures to contain the spread of the disease.

Locally, the government had extended its emergency measures to combat the dreaded disease, with the imposition of a 12-hour curfew on citizens. These emergency measures were taken pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) (b) of the directions issued by the President, in accordance with the Public Health Ordinance, Cap. 145, and published in the Official Gazette, Legal Supplement B on March 16 2020.

The measures at reference took effect from April 3, 2020, and are expected to last one month, unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Public Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the newly-discovered coronavirus.

WHO said most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illnesses 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.

The 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 is spread.

“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),” the WHO has advised.