The work of the National COVID-19 Task Force is being challenged by the growing number of street parties and the limited capacity of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to control them.
An official from the Task Force told the News Room that members of the Joint Services have shut down a string of street parties in various parts of Georgetown over the last few days.
It is important to note that large social gatherings such as parties and fetes are prohibited under that national COVID-19 regulations. This is done to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes the deadly disease COVID-19.
The challenge, however, is that these street parties are often ad hoc and are easily dispersed. As such, the authorities have difficulties arresting organizers and hosts.
Exacerbating the situation, the official lamented, is that the police force does not always have the capacity to respond immediately.
Still, the official said that there are some instances where positive changes in people’s behaviours are being observed.
A futsal match in Linden last week was, reportedly, halted because patrons were not complying with the requirements to wear a mask.
This was observed at other futsal matches but the official said that after enforcement efforts from the Task Force, spectators have been complying.
These matches are part of the national Futsal competition. And for this competition, all participants and fans are required to show official proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to access all tournament venues.
