President Granger calls on Guyanese to adhere to COVID-19 precautions
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, March 28, 2020
His Excellency President David Granger has called on to Guyanese to take seriously the threat of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and to heed all public safety precautions
Addressing the national the President noted that the country’s National COVID-19 Task Force is concerned that that too many citizens and businesses have been ignoring the public advisories.
“Guyanese, a cavalier approach in the face of this global pandemic can seriously impair our efforts to combat COVID-19. The consequences will be devastating for the entire population,” the Head of State emphasised.
Today, the Minister of Public Health announced that the number of confirmed cases in Guyana has moved from five to eight persons with only one death. Globally, the total number of confirmed cases from 201 countries is 621,636 with 28,658 deaths.
His Excellency President David Granger
President Granger said that the taskforce has drafted a National Strategic Master Plan which will guide the nation’s push in combating the novel coronavirus disease. He noted that several additional measures aimed at limiting social contact are already being enforced.
Those measures include the closure of all schools until April 20 for sanitization exercises, the postponement of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), closure of both of the University of Guyana’s campuses, suspension of international flights at both airports and implementation of a rotational shift system for public servants.
The President further noted the waiver of Value Added Tax by the Guyana Revenue Authority on medical supplies associated with the testing, prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
He also drew attention to the fact that the Guyana Police Force has augmented its deployment to deter persons from using the ‘back-track’ route to enter and leave the East Berbice – Corentyne Region.
Additionally, the President highlighted that the Ministry of Public Health has established the Health Emergency Operations Centre to prevent the spread of the virus.
“Guyanese, I urge you to continue to support all medical professionals: doctors, nurses, and other caregivers. I urge you also to practice social distancing in public places and to avoid crowds, ceremonies including funerals and large gatherings. I urge also that persons remain calm and implement all guidelines relating to personal hygiene and infection prevention and control,” President Granger advised.