Inter Religious Organisation calls for social distancing

The Inter Religious Organisation (IRO) of Guyana has called on all religious leaders and stakeholders to practice social distancing for the next seven weeks as Guyana takes measures to guard against the new Coronavirus.

“This is for all regardless of religious beliefs,” the IRO noted in a press statement Wednesday.

The IRO noted that it is represented on the Board of the National Commission for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), and has been asked by the Commission to make a civil call to all religious leaders and stakeholders.

“This matter should be given serious consideration, since persons with the NCDs such as hypertension, diabetes, etc. are very much at risk.

“We support the call made by Dr Vindhya Persaud, President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, regarding observances of the sacred Hindu festival Chaitra Navratri, and the same concern is extended for all gatherings of any kind.”

Despite the many calls for social distancing, Guyanese continue to go about business as per norm.

This was evident on Wednesday when throngs of people gathered outside commercial banks across the city.