M&CC temporarily shut market gates after persons flout safety guidelines
—many without face masks, refuse to sanitise
—Mayor and Constabulary address situation on the ground
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Earlier this morning the Georgetown’s Mayor and City Council (M&CC) had reason to close the at the Stabroek Market gates temporarily.
At 09:00 hours. the area was heavily packed and customers were seen not wearing face masks.
Earlier this morning at the Stabroek Market, Georgetown’s Mayor and City Council (M&CC) had reason to close the market gates temporarily as at 09:00 hours. The area was heavily packed and customers were seen not wearing face masks.
Mayor of Georgetown, His Worship Mayor Ubraj Narine who was at the scene explained that the authorities were forced to close the gates because persons were refusing to wear masks and sanitise their hands as they entered the market.
He reported that the constabulary on the ground had de-escalated the situation.
“The crowd wasn’t adhering to
the measures and guidelines for the safety of Guyana,” Mayor Narine disclosed.
The Mayor reiterated that one of the measures implemented called for the washing of hands by both vendors and customers as they entered the market.
He stated that the strategy was to have customers line up, where three to five persons will enter, wash their hands and proceed to their shopping. Sinks are readily available in the markets.
Mayor Narine also reminded that just two gates were opened to allow authorities to control the flow of persons in accordance with the physical distancing guidelines.
Also, with effect from today, the M&CC has initiated a $5,000 penalty fee for all vendors and customers who fail to wear face masks amid this pandemic.
Moving forward, Mayor Narine hopes the National Task Force presents procedures to guide the Mayor City and Council in the event this situation reoccurs.