NCTF warns against illegal travel to Suriname

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, March 26, 2020

The National Covid-19 Task Force (NCTF) is warning persons, particularly in the Corentyne region to avoid travelling to Suriname by boat.

Following their virtual meeting earlier today, the NCTF issued a warning for citizens to desist from entering the neighbouring country illegally in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

“The NCTF warns all Guyanese, particularly those in the Corentyne, not to enter Suriname illegally by boat. Those who do so may be subject to seizure of their vessel and engine, arrest and deportation,” the release stated.

It also noted that persons deported to Guyana will be subject to the Ministry of Public Health’s mandatory quarantine protocols.

“Neither the NCTF nor the Government of Guyana can commit to making diplomatic or other representation on their behalf for the return of their vessels and/or engines.”

Guyana confirmed its first case of the Novel Coronavirus approximately two weeks ago and to date has recorded five confirmed cases and one death. Four persons are isolated and 30 are quarantined at various isolation facilities.

Since recording its first case, the government has implemented a menu of measures to tackle and prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.

Among these are the closure of schools to allow for sanitization exercises, suspension of international flights at both international airports, suspension of ferry service between Guyana and Suriname, place public servants on a rotation system

In addition to public health advisories, a national hotline has since been set up along with quarantine facilities.