GUYANESE can expect that an announcement will be made today [Wednesday], on what changes will be made to the current COVID-19 emergency measures in place since April 2020.

This is according to the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF), established to curb the spread of the virus and other concerns related to the pandemic. The COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No.3) published in the Gazette April 29, 2020 was recently extended once again to June 17, 2020.

The country has consistently recorded ‘bittersweet’ developments over the past few days but positive indicators, though minute, have given Guyana hope that the fight against COVID-19 is bearing fruit.

As of June 15, the country recorded 159 positive cases; 99 recoveries and 12 deaths. The Emergency Measures in place state that unless a citizen is conducting or visiting an essential service between the hours of 06:00 hours and 18:00 hours, he/she is to stay within the enclosure of his/her home and yard. A number of social activities have also been prohibited.

The measures also speak sternly to specific working hours allotted to essential services, preferential treatment for healthcare workers, social and physical distancing protocols, religious worship and domestic and international travel.

Anyone who fails to comply with these measures commits an offence under Section 152 of the Public Health Ordinance and is liable on summary conviction to the penalty provided under that Section.

Meanwhile, the preamble to the list of measures have made it clear that it could be terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Public Health, after an assessment of the conditions. Added to this, the NCTF reminded that repatriated Guyanese who return to Guyana will be required to self-quarantine for seven days upon their arrival in the country.