No change to national curfew; casinos given greenlight 

The national curfew that commences at 22:30 hrs and ends at 04:00 hrs daily will continue to be in effect throughout the entire month of May, according to the updated Emergency COVID-19 Measures.

The updated measures, which are published in the Official Gazette, take effect from May 1 and last until May 31 unless otherwise amended or extended by the Minister of Health.

By and large, these measures have remained the same as those that were instituted for the month of April. The only change, however, is that casinos or betting shops are allowed to operate but only at 40 per cent capacity of the building.

Aside from casinos, the COVID-19 Emergency Measures also stated that no person shall host, attend or visit a cinema, except a drive-in cinemas; a private party; a banquet, ball or reception; a public hotel, swimming pool or waterpark; a wake or vigil; a club or discotheque; a meeting of any fraternal society, private or social club or civic association or organisation; or, any other social activity.

Gyms and fitness centres, restaurants and bars and places of worship are allowed to operate at a limited capacity, once all health and safety guidelines are in place. In the updated measures, as stated in prior measures.

As per these guidelines, too, the Lethem Crossing (at the Takutu Bridge) remains closed, except on Thursdays, where the crossing of essential goods and supplies is permitted. Flights to and from Brazil are strictly prohibited. The Moleson Creek crossing shall be allowed to operate three days per week, as determined by the Ministry of Public Works.

Additionally, these new guidelines have added that there is a requirement to wear a face mask at a workplace.

As in previous guidelines, the mask must be fitted to cover the nose, mouth and chin. Masks are to be worn when in public and when travelling in any vehicle.