COVI-CURB campaign to intensify as citizens prepare to usher in the new year – Health Minister

As the end of year festivities approach, it is the general view that many Guyanese will want to continue the habit of gathering and socialising to usher in the new year. These activities, however, will be closely monitored by members of the joint services in an effort to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, M.P., during today’s COVID-19 Update, highlighted that the government is bent on ensuring that all COVID-19 protocols, particularly those governing businesses and entertainment spots, are in place and being followed.

“You will see more…joint services patrols, and we want people to be safe.  We want the public to please abide by the rules and once we do that, we will be safe,” the minister urged.

Minister Anthony went on to caution the public, saying that flouting of these protocols can result in a massive increase in cases and even the confirmed introduction of the Omicron variant on Guyana’s shores.

“What we don’t want is after these holidays we start seeing an increase, a big spike in cases. If we do have that then depending on how many cases, it can quickly overwhelm the system,” he said.

Moreover, the minister reiterated that with the fast pace spreading of the Omicron variant, citizens are reminded of the ministry’s recommendations to use surgical and N95 masks as opposed to cloth masks. These cloth masks, the minister said, are far less efficient especially in high-risk environments.

“My advice to people is that if you believe that you are at a higher risk of [contracting] COVID-19, the environment in which you find yourself, then you should wear that N95 mask or procedural surgical mask,” he advised.

The Health Minister explained that the cloth masks are not as effective because of the fact that the holes in the mask which allow for breathing are “relatively big” and therefore, viral particles can easily pass through.