THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) has called for repatriated Guyanese to be quarantined in the comfort of their homes, instead of having to stay in a public or private facility for the recommended 14-day period.

It was reported that persons returning to Guyana will be required to undergo at least 14 days of quarantine and will be monitored for signs and symptoms of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). This requirement is outlined on a form which was released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday. The form is to be filled out by Guyanese, who are stranded abroad because of COVID-19, and want to return home.

The PSC is, however, against this requirement and has written to the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF), requesting that if persons have been tested and are COVID-19-free before entering Guyana, they should not be quarantined or if there is a dire need, they should be quarantined at home.

“If they want to quarantine them, let those persons stay in their own homes, not in a hotel or a public facility,” said Chairman of the PSC, Captain Gerry Gouveia during a press briefing, on Thursday. He said the existing requirement is a major concern for the PSC because if persons are tested before they arrive in Guyana and then screened when they reach here, they should not have to be burdened by being quarantined for 14 days.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) had reported that, under a controlled re-entry policy, the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) had permitted the return of approximately 300 Guyanese nationals who are stranded overseas. While conveying its empathy for Guyanese stranded overseas at this time, the NCTF maintained that no person, who tests positive for COVID-19, will be permitted entry into Guyana and that all arriving passengers must undergo the PCR tests and submit the results (which must be in English) at least 48 hours prior to their arrival in Guyana.

The approval for return pertains to citizens in Trinidad and Tobago and several states in the USA, inclusive of Florida, New Jersey and New York. Requests from Guyanese in other countries are also covered under the NCTF’s decision. Persons, who return home, will be given the option to stay in a private quarantine facility or a public facility.

“The Ministry of Public Health will give consideration to persons who may wish to spend their time at a private facility rather than a public quarantine facility and has designated two private places for this purpose,” the form outlined.

Guyana Chronicle had reported that fear of discrimination and isolation has dissuaded persons from reaching out to the local health authorities, if they experience signs and symptoms of the deadly Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), but in an effort to eliminate this occurrence, the Ministry of Public Health has partnered with the two hotels to offer persons privacy.

“You can have all the amenities you would like, but you must remain in the facility…please be advised that packages except cooked food, alcohol and drugs can be dropped off at the Civil Defence Commission and these will be delivered to the facility, free of cost, wherever you are,” said Dr. Karen Boyle, Deputy Chief Medical Officer.

This new initiative is a part of an effort to ensure that the risk of transmission is reduced and even eliminated. This point was stressed by Dr. Boyle, who said the transmission of COVID-19 could only be reduced or stopped if health authorities are able to separate those who test positive, from those persons who are not infected.

“So, we ask you to come forward, get tested and help us in this fight…I am sure that some of you have fears about quarantining and isolation but be assured that the public health ministry has set up these facilities bearing in mind that you are away from home and so is trying to make you feel as comfortable as possible,” said the DCMO.

In addition to the paid facilities, there are existing quarantine facilities, which are available free of cost to persons. Persons who are quarantined at these facilities get three square meals per day, which are prepared by a certified cook and team. There are also games, free internet connection and television. Persons in quarantine also have access to telephone services to call friends and family. Additionally, there is a doctor and team on hand to care for and monitor persons twice daily, and to conduct tests to determine whether persons have underlying medical conditions.