THE National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) has suspended the operations of a number of bars and resorts across Guyana, which were found in breach of the gazetted COVID-19 guidelines that were instituted to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
According to a document seen by this publication, the establishments that were suspended are the Outback Adventure Resort, in Region Six, which was suspended from January 13, 2021 to April 14, 2021; the Splashmin’s Resort, on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, which was suspended from February 24, 2021 to March 24, 2021; and the Aziza Akosua Farm and Nature Resort, on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, which was suspended from February 24, 2021 to March 24, 2021.
Additionally, the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) at Thomas Lands, Georgetown) has been suspended from March 30, 2021 to April 30, 2021 and the GMR&SC at Timehri, East Bank of Demerara, was suspended from February 28, 2021 until further notice.

The Homme Hospitality Hotel, Restaurant and Bar, in Region Six, has been suspended from April 7, 2021 to May 7, 2021; the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. has been suspended from March 23, 2021; and, the Everest Cricket Club has also been suspended from March 8, 2021. No date for the reopening of the cricket league and the cricket club was given.
The Guyana Chronicle understands that approval for activities at these places will be done on a case-by-case basis.
Meanwhile, Club Altitude has been suspended from April 9, 2021 to May 5, 2021; the Kairos Bar was also suspended from April 9, 2021 to May 9, 2021; the Boathouse Sports Bar has been suspended from April 13, 2021 to May 13, 2021; the Magic City has been suspended from April 13, 2021 to May 13, 2021; and the Rio Nightclub has been suspended from April 13, 2021 to May 13, 2021 All suspended bars and resorts must be inspected by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) before reopening, in-keeping with the gazetted COVID-19 guidelines.

The GTA is tasked with ensuring that these establishments are able to facilitate adequate social distancing, constant sanitisation and other COVID-19 measures. Only then will the GTA grant approval for their reopening. Recently, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali chastised those persons who continue to breach these measures and those who have made light of the enforcement efforts.
The President related that members of the Task Force are patrolling every night until about 04:40 hours the next morning, trying to ensure that persons adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines. The national curfew is from 22:30 hours to 04:00 hours, but businesses such as bars, restaurants and supermarkets are to be closed by 21:30 hours.
He implored Guyanese to recognise that the COVID-19 pandemic is no joke. In fact, he emphasised the severity of the pandemic, stating that many people can lose their lives if the novel coronavirus is allowed to spread.
“It is time for us to understand that sometimes we need to take responsibility, and this is a case and a scenario in which we have to exercise that responsibility,” the President underscored.