Data collection mechanism to enable COVID-19 public assistance

─ Applications available manually and online.

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, May 20, 2020

The Government of Guyana has launched a data collection mechanism to aide in its COVID-19 public assistance initiative.

Via collaboration between the National COVID-19 Task Force Executive Secretariat, the Civil Defence Commission, Ministries of Social Protection, Communities and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, the data collection mechanism was launched earlier on Wednesday.

It is aimed at identifying and providing tangible support for vulnerable households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and its emergency measures.

According to the Task Force, assistance will be given on a needs basis, ensuring that the most affected persons are reached and supported.

“Persons who are in dire need of assistance or are most vulnerable during this period are asked to apply.” Urged the COVID-19 Task Force

These persons include only individuals or households who meet at least one criteria listed on the Task Force list for consideration; Individuals or households currently benefiting from Public Assistance provided by the Ministry of Social Protection and individuals or households who applied for Public Assistance and are currently awaiting a response from the ministry explained the Task Force in a media release.

Additionally, individuals and households who suffered a loss of income due to COVID-19, and households headed by senior citizens or persons with disabilities will also be considered.

The Ministry of Social Protection is expected to release additional information, including telephone numbers for citizens who qualify to call.

The Task Force says identification will be done through two means; online and a manual application process, catering for households without telephone and internet access.

The online process commenced today, May 20, 2020, and the manual submission is scheduled to begin by May 27, 2020.

Application forms can be downloaded from the Ministry of Social Protection’s website at https://mosp.gov.gy/