Health Minister stresses compliance with mandatory mask-wearing

−Says that fines and imprisonment can be avoided

As part of the new COVID measures implemented by the government persons can be fined for not wearing a face mask in public; therefore, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony is urging persons to be compliant with the mandatory measure.

Speaking to DPI recently, Dr. Anthony said the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Guyana Police Force will be stringently enforcing this aspect of the law as it is recommended to be an effective measure to minimising the spread if of COIVD and keeping persons safe.

With the rise in COVID-19 cases, the emphasis is on ensuring all persons protect themselves from possible infection. That is why the Health Minister continues to call for compliance.

“We want people to comply, so we would prefer to educate and hope that people adopt safe behaviours. We want to have that soft approach and hope that good sense will prevail but we are seeing that the [correct] behaviour is not being applied,” Dr. Anthony said.

He explained that along with observing proper hygiene (hand washing and santising) and social distancing (maintain 6 feet) citizens must were a mask that covers their nose and mouth when in public to halt the severe impact of COVID-19.

Wearing a mask will essentially protect all but the emphasis is being placed on those who are at risk including children, the elderly and persons with underlying and pre-existing health conditions.

“We don’t want to go down that road (fines and imprisonment) but we want people complying by wearing their masks as you will keep yourself safe and when you get home you will keep your family safe as well. But if you are not complying then we have the challenge of you possibly being at risk for infection and if infected you can take that infection home.” Minister Anthony emphasised.

The health minister reminded that must make an effort to wear their mask correctly. This means the face mask should cover the nose, mouth and chin. When not in use, the mask should be safely stowed away or discarded and not be placed on any other part of the face or neck.