CDC, private sector continue collaborative efforts against COVID-19

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, April 22, 2020

The Civil Defence Commission through its National Emergency Operations Centre met with members of the private sector to further strengthen collaborative efforts to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.

On Wednesday, CDC Director-General and head of the NEOC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig hosted a virtual meeting which focused on several issues such as sourcing and importing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and an update on the distribution of relief hampers to vulnerable persons.

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CDC Director-General and head of the NEOC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig

Craig informed of the decision taken by the National COVID-19 Task Force to temporarily halt the distribution of relief hampers.

He explained that a long-term approach is being formulated since a one-time distribution of supplies will not suffice and the pool of vulnerable persons have since expanded as a result of businesses being closed.

Concerning the sourcing and importation of PPEs, the participants were updated on an agreement which is to be signed by SBM Offshore for the importation of PPEs to be donated to the Ministry of Public Health.

During the meeting, the private sector representatives disclosed that talks are ongoing with several call centres to assist in managing calls to the NECO and the Health Emergency Operation Centre’s hotlines.

The NEOC and representatives from the private sector are scheduled to meet next Wednesday as they continue their collaborative efforts in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NEOC was activated on Monday, March 31, 2020, and aims to ensure the highest level of collaboration among all stakeholders to further prevent the spread of the disease; enhance preparation and strengthen the local response to this global pandemic.

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