— issues own guidelines, says patrols will be done

FEW local businesses have signalled their intention to host public events on Phagwah Day, though these are prohibited by the national COVID-19 guidelines, and, as such, the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) Secretariat has indicated that patrols will be done nationwide to “aggressively” enforce the guidelines.

In addition to the national guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health which restricted the usual Phagwah celebrations, the NCTF issued its own guidelines on Friday. The body emphasised that Phagwah celebrations do not involve the use of alcohol and all non-religious Phagwah activities, inclusive of Chutney shows, Phagwah parties and limes, and wet fetes are strictly prohibited.

On Friday, the Guyana Chronicle reported that few local businesses advertised parties and hangouts on Phagwah day. As per the Task Force’s guidelines, this is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, the Task Force also highlighted that Phagwah celebrations in public spaces are not allowed and large gatherings are prohibited.

Importantly, the Task Force also emphasised that the Joint Services will be conducting ‘COVICURB’ patrols nationwide to “aggressively enforce these guidelines”. “We plan to do enforcement on a daily basis but especially on those days that they (businesses) signalled that they are going to breach these measures,” Director of the NCTF Secretariat, Colonel Nazrul Hussain, told this publication in an invited comment on Thursday.

Some businesses have signalled that there will be Phagwah celebrations at secret locations. One business on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) has blatantly posted a flyer of a “Phagwah party” that will be held at its premises; that business also advertised a ‘Chutney show’ in April.

On Wednesday night, during an address to the nation, President Dr. Irfaan Ali noted that while there are several religious and cultural events ahead of the country over the next few weeks — including the celebration of Phagwah and Easter and the observance of Ramadan — citizens should adhere strictly to the approved COVID-19 guidelines.

“The COVID-19 Task Force has been asked to pursue charges against owners of establishments that are found in breach of the COVID-19 guidelines,” he underscored. The Task Force, like the Health Ministry, also underscored that Phagwah events held at mandirs, including cultural programmes, chowtal samelan and satsang (service), are only allowed at 40 per cent capacity. Mandirs are, however, encouraged to utilise their outdoor spaces, where available.

It was also advised that religious gatherings for the burning of Holika, which are done the night before, are allowed but social distancing must be enforced and the activity must adhere to the stipulated curfew. The nationwide curfew begins at 22:30 hours and lasts until 04: 00 hrs (the next morning). This means that the activity must be completed by that time and persons must return home.

The Task Force also noted that persons are encouraged to celebrate Phagwah within their home circles. Masks must be worn at all times, six feet social distancing must be maintained, and there must be regular hand washing and sanitisation.

Aside from the movement of devotees to and from places of worship, Phagwah celebrations on motorcades are prohibited. Additionally, the Task Force highlighted social distancing must be respected and tolerance exercised, where and when persons do not want to engage in Phagwah celebrations.