Coomacka residents install sanitation block

–Other region 10 communities urged to follow suit

DPI, Guyana, Monday, March 30th, 2020

Residents of the outlying community of Coomacka Mines in Region Ten, have installed a handwashing station at the entrance of their community.

Residents in the area aim to encourage visitors and residents to practice regular handwashing to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus disease. Their effort was supported by the Community Development Council (CDC).

The sign at the entrance of Coomacka encouraging visitors and resident to stop and wash their hands

Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph practicing handwashing at the RDC’s sanitation block

A resident of Coomacka washing her hands at the sanitisation station

Community leader Dexter Harding explained that the residents thought of the idea and the CDC quickly came on board. He said permission was sought at the level of the Regional Democratic Council, Linden Mayor and Town Council and the Region Ten Police Division and granted.

Harding relayed that the residents then pooled their resources and sourced “a sink and apparatus and a water tank, along with detergent and hand soap. Residents are aware of what is going on around the world and are concerned. We want to take precautions and protect ourselves.”

While Coomacka has set the example as a community, the Regional Democratic Council, Region Ten, as an organization has also led by example, establishing a handwashing station in the compound to encourage the regular handwashing by staff members and visitors.

Meanwhile, in Region Ten, residents continue to adhere to the mandatory curfew and members of the Regional Health Emergency Committee, continue to monitor the situation.