Govt extends curfew 22: 30h to 04: 00h to February

… Like bars, theaters remain closed

The curfew, which is part of the National COVID-19 Measures, will remain the same throughout February, that is between 22:30 pm (10:30 pm) and 04:00 pm (4 am).
This was stated in a new index signed by Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony. It states that measures will take effect from February 1, and last until February 28 – unless terminated, extended or amended earlier at the notice of the Health Minister after an assessment of the conditions public health.
These emergency measures shall be made in accordance with paragraphs (1) and (2) (b) of the President’s Direction, issued under the Public Health Ordinance, Cap 145, and published in the Gazette, Legal Supplement – B, 16th March 2020.
He reminded the Government that it had made a rapid assessment of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has found that it is fragmented and incapable of administering the public, economic and social health measures needed to keep the population safe. The Order states that the current measures are being extended to allow for further assessments and consultations to develop updated protocols to assist in combating the spread of COVID-19.
It clearly outlines that flights from Brazil are prohibited until further notice.
No person is allowed to host or attend a cinema other than drive-in films; private party, banquet hall, bar, public swimming pool or water park, wake up or vigil, club, fraternity meeting or any other social activity. Gymnasiums will operate up to 50 percent while sporting events are permitted with the approval of the Health Minister only.
Measures have remained unchanged for essential services to operate 24 hours a day, and this includes hospitals, pharmacies, the Judiciary, Parliament, diplomatic corps, Disciplinary Services, solid waste management, airports, hotels or accommodation other, energy services, mining operations, security services, telecommunications providers, fisheries, limited port operations, construction, mail and freight service, funeral homes, among others.
Any person working beyond the curfew is required to have in place an official identification document or workplace proof.
Between 04: 00h and 21:30h, stakeholders will still be able to access services at banks, markets, supermarkets, grocery stores, gas stations, mail or haulage services, beauty salons, barbershops, hardware stores, clothing or shops; or other maintenance services.
Outdoor dining and dining is only allowed between these hours, with tables six feet apart and a maximum of four people three feet apart per table. Eating a buffet is prohibited. Food services are still allowed to distribute and collect kerbside.
All restaurants and bars are required to submit an application to the Guyana Tourism Authority for approval to operate, and are obliged to follow all established protocols. Failure to do so may result in the closure of the operation of that business by the Ministry of Health.
Places of worship are now only allowed to operate with a limited 25 per cent of the total capacity. Religious leaders are to ensure that, where there are several services, there is not less than 45 minutes between sessions to allow for sanitation. Packaged food is used to replace portions of communal containers. Where applicable, people should bring their own rugs or fabric for daily prayers.
Their staff will be on a rotation in the private and public sectors while those in the health sector will be subject to priority treatment. In the meantime, only the National Public Health Reference Laboratory is authorized to conduct COVID-19 testing. Anyone who tests positive is required to comply with the requirements set by the Center for Emergency Operations in Health to prevent further spread.
People are still required to wear a mask, covering the nose and mouth, when in public. However, exemptions are given to children under eight; when a person is in a vehicle, ship or aircraft alone; and any other accommodation only.
Failure to comply with the mandatory mask requirement would render people liable under Section 152 of the Public Health Ordinance.