38 before the court for breaching curfew in Region five

─Four sentenced to community service

DPI, Guyana, Monday, June 22, 2020

There are currently thirty-eight persons before the courts for breaching the 6am to 6pm curfew in Region Five, one of only two areas that have remained COIVD-free.

This was disclosed by Regional Commander, Superintendent Yonette Stephens who told DPI the police in the region are strictly enforcing the curfew measures to ensure it continues to be free of the novel coronavirus.

“We have 38 matters pending before the court. However, there are further repercussions which are then handed down by the court. There were four persons sentenced to community service for one month,” Stephens explained.

Failing to do this, they will be sent to prison for one week. “So, we have not had any cases non-compliance,” the Superintendent noted.

Stephens posited that this adherence is credited to the fact that the police in the region continue to ensure the curfew is enforced daily.

Last Wednesday, the COVID-19 Task Force had announced that the country will embark on a phased reopening comprising six stages. The first stage will run from June 18 to July 2.

During this period, all food establishments (including street vendors) will be permitted to operate takeout and delivery services from 6am to 5pm. Ninety (90) minutes of exercise is allowed for citizens, Monday to Friday from 6am to 6pm in open public spaces. Public transport will be permitted to continue to operate at 50 percent passenger capacity.

Added to this some key measures will be upheld including the prohibition of gatherings of more than five and bars are also to remain closed. The curfew remains in effect from 6pm to 6am.

Region Eight is the only other region that has remains COVID-19 free.