Coronavirus: Gov’t considers ‘extreme measures’ to restrict movement

The National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) chaired by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo is considering “extreme measures” to restrict the movement of persons in order to prevent the spread of the disease.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Task Force raised concerns about the manner in which citizens refused to adhere to calls for social distancing.

As such, the NCTF said it “is considering various measures, including extreme measures which have been instituted in other countries, to impose restrictions on the movement of persons for a defined period until the threat is abated.”

The team said too many citizens and businesses have been ignoring the public advisories and warnings and have been going about their daily activities as per normal and operating in a business-as-usual manner.

The NCTF warns that such a cavalier approach by some citizens can seriously impair the efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 and have a devastating impact on the Guyanese populace.

The National COVID-19 Task Force, established by President David Granger on March 13, thanked other persons who have heeded the public advisories to adjust social behavior in combatting the spread of COVID-19.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Guyana remains 5, inclusive of one death. The other four persons are in isolation.

Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence on Wednesday disclosed that another nine persons are in quarantine where they are being monitored for signs of the virus.