Guyana approves a 40% capacity for indoor dining
– Guyana Tourism to monitor and ensure compliance
The local Silhouette Restaurant.
Kaieteur News – Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, amended the National COVID-19 listed measures to allow indoor dining in restaurants at 40 percent capacity.
The amendment was made on Wednesday and the updated measure reads, “Indoor and outdoor dining is only allowed between 4:00 am and 9:30 pm in a restaurant and applicable place (s), indoor dining is limited to forty hundred of the building’s capacity. ”
The order further states that tables must be set six feet apart and that no more than four persons should be seated at one table, three feet apart. Adding to that, the order requires that all restaurant staff wear a face mask at all times and all dining tables and chairs should be wiped after use by all customers. Previously, only listed outdoor dining was approved in the listed measures.
The revised list also states that Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has been placed in charge of monitoring all restaurants to ensure full compliance.
The GTA has since indicated that restaurants found violating the measures will be closed. In an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Friday, GTA Director Carla James said businesses will be required to submit their Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) which they must align with the COVID-19 measures with a list, along with other health and sanitation protocols.
“Businesses that break, will be banned from reopening for a month and we know this is something they won’t want because they want to stay open to get some revenue coming out of their business because they don’t they have been able to operate for quite a number of months. We hope they do everything they can and follow the rules so we don’t have to bar anyone from acting, ”the Director told DPI.
He said once their documents have been submitted, a desk review will be conducted and they will advise them of any defects, if any. This will be followed by an on-site audit of the organization to ensure that they meet the guidelines and reflect the information provided in their SOPs.
“Once that’s done and they meet all the requirements, we then give them conditional approval to open at 40 per cent capacity. Customers have to look out for a sign that will be installed (at the establishment) once the property has been approved, ”he said.
The names of the approved businesses are also published so that citizens know where they can dine safely. This allows the FRS to demonstrate support according to the Director. It was reported that the FRS will use various methods to ensure compliance which includes; make unannounced inspection visits and surveys where customers can provide feedback from their observations.
In addition, they will cooperate with the Mayor and City Council, the Department of Health and the various regional health officials to ensure ongoing monitoring.