New COVID-19 order provides for reopening of schools

The Government of Guyana has given the green light for the Ministry of Education to reopen schools under strict COVID-19 guidelines as it moved the curfew to 10:30 pm to 4 am.

“Schools may be re-opened by the Ministry of Education subject to compliance with the measures under this Notice and the Ministry of Education may issue guidelines or give any instruction to minimize the risks of Coronavirus transmission in schools,” the revised order published in the official Gazette Friday stated.

Education Minister of Education Priya Manickchand has over the past week been engaging teachers, parents and guardians across the country to prepare for the reopening of schools.

The Ministry, in a recent release, stated that Grades 10 and 11 students will be returning to school first as they have to prepare to write the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) next year.

So far, Guyana has confirmed 4,143 COVID-19 cases with 124 deaths. Fatalities in the month of October are at 42 thus far, surpassing September which was deemed the deadliest month since Guyana confirmed its first case on March 11.

Meanwhile, the Government has also approved new timings for the opening of banks and other financial institutions, gas stations, postal and shipping services, beauty salons and barber shops, automotive repair and maintenance facilities and clothes, shoes and book stores from 4:00am to 9:30pm.

Previously, the approved opening time for these businesses was at 4am to 8pm.

A ban remains on several social activities and indoor dining while gyms are now allowed to open at 50% capacity.

Rum shops and bars remain closed.

Outdoor dining along with drive through and curb side pickups are allowed until 09:30pm.

Further masks are mandatory when in public, travelling in a vehicle, vessel or aircraft.

These measures will remain in effect from November 1 to 30, 2020.

See full order below:

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