Timeline for resumption of intl. travel could be shifted to Aug. 28
—says Manger of Aviation Security
—GCAA continues to monitor COVID-19 within the region
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, July 16, 2020
The Ministry of Public Health has advised the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) that the reopening of the country’s airports to international travel should be shifted to August 28, instead of Aug 1.
This was disclosed by GCAA’s Manager of Aviation Security Abraham Doris, during Thursday’s first stakeholder consultation by the Tourism Recovery Action Committee (TRAC).
Doris confirmed a decision has not been made on the Public Health Ministry’s recommendation. The Aviation Security Manager noted GCAA is continuing its efforts to monitor the prevailing COVID-19 situation within the Caribbean region and the United States of America where flare-ups of the virus have been documented.
During a presentation to stakeholders, the GCAA official further noted the aviation regulatory body has maintained a robust approach to ensure small and large aviation operators comply with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and regulations implemented by the GCAA.
“We have developed extensive checklists,” Doris stated. “That allows us to ensure there is sustainability, consistency and compliance,” he explained.
Some of the SOPs and regulations in effect govern sanitisation of passengers, airports and airplanes; social distancing onboard aircraft and at the airports; and disinfection of luggage and screening of both incoming and outgoing passengers.
The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the Eugene F. Correia International Airport (ECIA) will continue to facilitate limited repatriation flights provided the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) indicates its approval.
To date, the NCTF has approved the repatriation of approximately 1800 Guyanese since the halt on international travel through CJIA and ECIA. Thus far, citizens have returned from the USA and parts of the Caribbean.
Thursday’s stakeholder consultation also included presentations from the Guyana Police Force and the Ministry of Public Health.