As concerns grow about the new virus variant in Brazil, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has announced that Guyana has restricted flights with that neighboring country.
During today’s Covid-19 update, Minister Anthony reminded that local authorities have tightened measures along the borders following the discovery of a new variant of the new coronavirus in Brazil.
Now, he says, that restriction will apply to air travel.
“We also want to ensure that, for the time being, we restrict flights arriving from Brazil to Guyana and vice versa, so all flights are now restricted,” he said.
“We are not the first country to restrict these flights … it is out of concern for the fluctuations circulating,” the Minister explained.
The United Kingdom has already banned travel from Guyana and other South American countries due to concerns about the new virus variant in Brazil.
The BBC reported that it is suspected that variations in the UK, South Africa and Brazil could be much more infectious or easy to catch than earlier versions.
Dr Anthony had previously claimed that, if this is the case, it could be a very challenging situation for the local healthcare system.
“If this is more transferable, then more people are going to become infected,” he pointed out, noting that if this happens, it will put a strain on the hospitals in the country.
“These will be the challenges if this variation circulates in our country,” said Dr Anthony.