103 Guyanese granted controlled re-entry by COVID-19 task force

—many in Caribbean, aboard cruise ships to return

—re-entrants subject to strict Ministry of Public Health’s requirements

DPI, Guyana, Monday, May 18, 2020

Within the coming days, one hundred and three Guyanese abroad will return to these nation’s shores after permission was granted by the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF).

Under the controlled re-entry measures, 19 law students in Trinidad, 70 Royal Caribbean cruise ship employees, 4 citizens in St. Vincent and 10 in Sint Marteen have all had their requests to return to Guyana approved.

According to a press release from the NCTF, the aforementioned travellers are subjected to the strict requirements set by the Ministry of Public Health, relevant ministries and agencies.

Most notably, each person must submit results of their COVID-19 tests done by polymerase chain reaction method (PCR). The results must be in English and provided 48hours before arrival.

For passengers who for any reason may be unable to do the pre-test, the NCTF noted that prior written consent would be required for quarantine if deemed necessary by the Public Health Ministry.

Additionally, all travelling persons are expected to withstand all costs associated with their return to Guyana.

Concerning a request for 63 Guyanese attached to Caribbean Princess cruise line to return via sea, the NCTF has objected citing risks associated with seaport entry. Nevertheless, the task force has encouraged the applicants to consider a request to return through the airports.

Since midnight of March 18, the Government has closed the nation’s two main airports to international travel as a measure to protect the public from imported cases of COVID-19.

Requests are being considered on a case by case basis, for Guyanese desirous of returning home amid the airport closure.

While the airports are expected to remain closed until June 3, as stipulated by the gazetted Emergency Measures, the NCTF said it will engage in further discussions on a phased-reopening of the airports.