THE Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency measures, which were set to expire today, have been extended to August 31, 2020.
These emergency measures were made pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2)(b) of the Direction by the President, given under the Public Health Ordinance, Cap. 145, and published in the Gazette, Legal Supplement –B, March 16, 2020.

According to health authorities, the COVID – 19 Emergency Measures (No. 8) will expire on August 31, 2020 unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Public Health after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions.
The Government of Guyana has since done a rapid assessment of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has found that it was fragmented and incapable of administering the public health, economic and social measures needed to keep the population safe.

“The Government of Guyana has initiated a complete overhaul of the current public health response. Government has looked at the approach used in other territories, especially in the Caribbean, and has resolved that a multi-sector and multi-faceted approach has been the most successful model, with an aggressive policy of detection, contact tracing and, if positive, isolation,” said authorities.

Over the last week, government engaged various sectors to develop clear guidelines on epidemiological, social and economic conditions to keep people safe, and put measures in place to support business and households.

“These current regulations would be extended for a limited period, to allow for further assessments and consultations as we develop updated protocols, leading to the eventual and systemic opening up of the economy,” said authorities.

The control measures, which include a national curfew and social distancing guidelines, are often hard to cope with, but considering the prevailing circumstances, persons must be cautious and vigilant, as they continue to do their part in the fight against COVID-19.

Guyana Chronicle had reported that Guyana’s economy, like many others around the world, has taken a hit because of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially at the household level, where jobs were lost, income dried up and, in some cases, hunger crept in. The conditions were exacerbated further because of the political instability caused by a protracted electoral process, which only ended last Sunday.

HIT THE GROUND RUNNING

But, the new administration has “hit the ground running” and, according to newly-elected President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, his government is working to secure $4.5B as emergency response to help at the household level.

“We have reached out to several multilateral and bilateral sources with a view to urgently mobilise financial resources of the magnitude that is necessary to overcome the effects of this pandemic. I must say the response has been encouraging,” said Dr. Ali during his address at the inauguration ceremony, on Saturday.
To further ease the strain on persons, government had met with the Governor of the Central Bank and directed him to extend regulatory permission so as to allow for bankers to continue extending moratoriums.

Government has also looked at the possibility of adjusting the “reserve requirement” which will allow the banks to have more disposable resources and tie that adjustment with lower interest rates.

“We have started to examine, from a fiscal perspective, what support we can give to the private sector and other groups all with the view of supporting a resumption of the economic activities and putting people back to work.

“Every life in our nation matters and my Government will ensure that every life is protected from harm. The COVID-19 pandemic has already claimed too many lives. Everything possible must be done to protect our people from this dreaded and dreadful disease,” said President Ali.

That is why, as President, he promised to personally and urgently participate in his government’s programme to stop infection by the coronavirus, curb its spread, and safeguard the health of Guyana.