–as GTA, THAG urges adherence to new COVID-19 measures

THE Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) are urging the public to adhere to the COVID-19 Emergency Safety Measures, specifically those pertaining to dining.

In addition, a WhatsApp group was established by the authorities, which will comprise owners and managers of establishments within the tourism sector, in a bid to address the concerns of those businesses in real-time.

Section 8(3)(c) of the new measures mandates that for patrons to be admitted to dine at any restaurant or bar, indoor or outdoor, they must be vaccinated and have in their possession an official identification document and their vaccination card.

The tourism authorities said that through such measures, the Government of Guyana has implemented a more multifaceted, strategic approach to ensure that Guyana achieves herd immunity.
“By reaching its 80 per cent – 85 per cent vaccination target, Guyana, and by extension, its tourism and hospitality sectors will be able to resume some semblance of normalcy again, as it works towards a safe reopening and operations,” the organisations said in a joint media release.

They related that they are cognisant of persons bashing restaurants, bars, hotels and other dining establishments which have implemented the COVID-19 measures and highlighted that these establishments are subjected to the law, so failure to comply will constitute an offence.

“The GTA and THAG urge the public to co-operate and support these businesses that are already experiencing challenging times but are trying to stay in operation to save jobs, protect the livelihoods of single mothers, and continue to contribute to the overall recovery of the economy,” they said.

The Director of GTA, Carla James-Vantull, reassured stakeholders in the tourism sector that the authority is aware of the challenges they are faced with during these trying times and is available to provide whatever support that they might need.

“As safety measures are rolled out, it is important to provide the most up-to-date information and get feedback on how these systems are working,” she said.
“We are here to help, so we hope that businesses will continue to reach out to us. This pandemic is affecting everyone, so we are all in this together, and it is only together we will be able to make it through the end of the tunnel,” she added.

James-Vantuall also reinforced the importance of persons being inoculated against COVID-19 and commended the establishments which have implemented the COVID-19 measures for taking the necessary steps to ensure that their businesses provide safe services.

President of THAG, Harrinand Persaud, said that the organisation recognises the consequences of the new measures for businesses; however, he highlighted that the measures are necessary for the health and safety of all.

“Vaccinations protect us all from becoming very ill. It ensures that we can continue to safely reopen and operate our businesses, to support the livelihoods of our staff and families,” he said.
“We call on all patrons to be supportive of the operations who, for their part, are complying with the guidelines set by the Ministry of Health and National COVID-19 Task Force that they may continue to serve you,” Persaud added.

The tourism bodies said that it is imperative that everyone plays their part to educate their peers and family or even themselves, to understand the importance of vaccination and how critical it is in curbing the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus and ultimately saving lives by preventing serious COVID-19-related illnesses.