Min. Allicock disappointed with reaction of Moruca residents to lockdown

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Sydney Allicock has expressed his disappointment with the reaction of some persons to the decision taken by the Santa Rosa Village Council to place the community on a 14-day lockdown.

The lockdown was implemented as the Moruca sub-District village is dealing with an alarming rise in cases over the past week.

Noting that the decision was a necessary one, Minister Allicock said he was very disheartened to learn of the actions of some residents as it relates to this implementation of this stringent measure.

“I have said this before and my position remains the same, this is a fight that we are all equally together against.  COVID-19 is an invisible enemy. It is a known fact that some persons may be asymptomatic – just carriers; this could be anyone, including our very loved ones. COVID-19 is not selective, it does not attack someone based on their race, religion, political affiliation, wealth status or their geographical location,” the Minister Allicock underscored in a statement today.

Currently, Guyana has lost 16 citizens to this virus with 278 positive cases confirmed as of today. Moruca, with a population of over 10,000 have over 70 confirmed cases and unfortunately also lost one of its residents.

“My heart breaks and goes out to the people who have lost loved ones in the pandemic as young as 25 years old. Just yesterday we confirmed our 16^th death by this virus as another family was plunged into sorrow, there are not enough words to convey my sympathies,” Minister Allicock stated.

He commended those health works who are on the frontline battling the disease even as the cases rise daily. He reminded that citizens must do its part to help flatten the curve.

“We must remember that this is a serious matter, it is not something we sweep under the rug and move on, it is taking lives and we must be responsible, we must do our part to ensure the health and safety of ourselves and everyone around us, it is us against COVID not us against each other.”

Therefore, Minister Allicock called on the residents of Moruca to support the village Council’s decision to implement a lockdown; describing it as the best option at this time as Moruca is now the epicentre of the virus.

The Minister also urged the residents to continue to practice social distancing and practice practicing good and proper hygiene.