COVID 19 | Minibus operators, taxi drivers, encouraged to practice healthy hygiene
—to mitigate spread of the COVID-19
—advised to use alcohol base sprays and bleach solution
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Minibus operators and taxi drivers are encouraged to practice healthy hygiene while plying their daily trade in their effort to mitigate the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
This appeal was made by Head of the Public Health Department at the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, Dr. Suzette Reynolds in an interview with DPI last Tuesday.
Dr. Suzette Reynolds, Head of the Public Health Department at the Georgetown Mayor and City Council.
Dr. Reynolds noted that while a large percent of the Guyanese population depends on public transportation as a means of travel “these alternatives can be a very good source of contamination and dissemination of the virus to the public.”
“I am pleading with you, please protect yourself and also sanitise your vehicles, especially the handles of the buses both inside and outside, the rims of the bus windows and other places of contact by passengers,” she appealed to operators of public transport.
Drivers were urged to use alcohol-based sprays and/or bleach solutions to ensure that the virus is targeted and tackled completely.
Concerning the disinfecting of households, Dr. Reynolds said the first aspect of sanitising is to undertake a general cleaning with a soapy liquid. Once this is complete, create a disinfecting solution by adding five tablespoons of bleach to one gallon of water.
The City Public Health Head also commended those private businesses and Government Agencies who have already installed wash sinks, with disposable paper towels and hand sanitising stations at the entrance of their buildings.
However, those organisations who have not yet implemented these features are encouraged to do so the soonest.
It was also disclosed that the Georgetown Mayor and Town Council will be conducting a spraying/ sanitization exercise of Stabroek Market on Thursday, March 26. Therefore stallholders and vendors will not be permitted to conduct business for that entire day.
This exercise will also be conducted at Bourda, Albouystown, Kitty and East Ruimveldt markets.