ELEVEN persons have since tested positive for COVID-19, upon their arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the Eugene F. Correia International Airport since October 12, and are currently in isolation.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday noted that the systems in place at the airports have proven to be effective in reducing the chances of imported cases coming into Guyana.

“If you don’t have a test, that is, within 72 hours, then you’re allowed to travel, but when you come here, you have to take another test. So what this is proving, with the 11 cases that we have found so far, is that the system that we have established that have enabled us to detect those cases that would have otherwise gone without being recognised, means that our systems are working,” the minister stated.

In keeping with international health obligations and agreements, the Government has since informed the countries from which the passengers originated, of their status.
Since Guyana reopened its airports to commercial flights on October 12, persons who are not in possession of a PCR test result, which is less than 72–hours old, are required to do a second test upon arrival.

Guyana’s two international airports were closed to incoming commercial, international flights since midnight on March 18, after the country recorded its first COVID-19 case on March 11.
The airports were initially scheduled to close for a two-week period; however, as COVID-19 cases in the country increased, the closures continued to be extended.

But, growing demand for travel and pressing economic constraints created by this disease and the necessary containment measures, have pushed the country to take decisive action, which, according to international reports, is not unprecedented amidst the pandemic.