Govt. extends gaVetted COVID-19 measures to March
– cinemas to remain closed, bars and restaurants to continue operating at 40% capacity
Kaieteur News – The Government has extended the gazetted COVID-19 measures for March, which means all February measures have been retained.
Despite monthly calls for reopening cinemas, the list clearly outlines that cinemas will remain closed, however drive-in cinemas are allowed.
Notably, the Minister for Health, Dr. Frank Anthony recently announced that the government is considering reopening cinemas that have been closed since last March when Guyana recorded its first COVID-19 case. Dr. Anthony noted that cinema owners have been asked to install High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters for approval to reopen for business, following an assessment carried out by Ministry of Health Officials. Anthony had said, “If someone comes to the cinema and they are infected and are unresponsive and coughing, then these HEPA filters would be able to clear the viral particles.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States of America, HEPA filters are even more efficient at capturing particles larger and smaller than the most penetrating particle size. Therefore, HEPA filters are not less than 99.97 percent efficient at capturing human-generated viral particles associated with SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19.
Further, the index states that the curfew 10:30 pm to 04:00 am remains active. It also states that businesses that include restaurants and other food establishments with indoor dining, outdoor dining and kerbside collection can operate until 09:30 pm and restaurants can host indoor lunches. These establishments along with bars must maintain a 40% capacity with six foot gaps between all tables.
Further, the Guyana Tourism Authority will continue to monitor to ensure maximum compliance with the conditions for restaurants and bars.
The restrictions on social gatherings including private parties, receptions and wakes or vigils remain as well as restrictions on the use of public / hotel pools and recreational activities on river, lakes or any inland waterway.