Citizens allowed to shop needed items, go to work during the day

While citizens have been told not to step outside of their yard if they don’t absolutely need to, they will be able to go out shopping for needed items during the day and those who need to go to work will be allowed to do so.

However, no one will be allowed out at night, that is from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. unless they are essential workers.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootooo clarified that the country is not in lockdown, but that the curfew and other restrictions were imposed because of the “intransigence of many people” who refused to follow the guidelines, such as not congregating in groups and staying six feet away from others.

“We want everyone who has no essential duties to perform, ideally, to stay at home, stay in your yards,” Nagamootto said during a virtual press conference.

He said the restriction to stay at home is a general appeal but that is “critical” at this time.

Banks, markets, supermarkets, fruits and vegetable stalls and neighbourhood shops can be open from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Food services and restaurants will also be allowed open during this time but only for drive-through, take away and delivery service.

No rum shops and bars will be allowed open at any hour, and no person can visit the gym, barbershop/salon, seawall, a pool, creek or river at any time.

No wakes or vigils are being allowed neither are any sports or recreational events.

Essential services which may do work at any time during the day or night are:

(a) hospitals, healthcare and medical services including pharmacies, drug stores and private veterinary services;

(b)  nursing homes, orphanages, shelters and other related care centers;

(c)  immigration;

(d) the Revenue Authority;

(e)  electricity services;

(f) water supply services;

(g) the Disciplined Forces;

(h)  prison services;

(i) solid waste management, sewerage  and janitorial services;

(j) air traffic control;

(k) Demerara Harbour Bridge and Berbice River Bridge;

(l) hotels and accommodation;

(m) factories, manufacturers or distributors of food supplies and essential goods including medical supplies where the Minister of Public Health has determined that the continuation of these operations do not pose a risk to public health.

Nagamootoo said that the production sector has not been closed down, so operations such as sugar, rice, mining, and forestry will continue as normal but the operations must adhere to the social distancing guidelines – that of workers being six feet away from each other.

Persons who work in the public service, a statutory body or a State-owned enterprise will work from home, unless they are told otherwise by the Minister of Public Health, acting on the advice of the responsible Ministers and Heads of Agencies.