The City Mall at Regent and Camp Streets in Georgetown reopened its doors on Monday despite the national COVID-19 measures which expire on June 03.
The Management of the Mall said it chose to reopen because they’ve been closed for three months and persons are suffering and struggling during this time.
Management further said months without an income is worrisome as persons have rent to pay and families to maintain under this health crisis.
The News Room observed about 20 concessions in operation Monday.
The majority of the concessions reopened are operating inside the Mall, while a Chinese store is partially opened outside. The food court inside is also cordoned off with a caution tape.
Management further stated that the mall will be operating under a reduced time in keeping with the 6am to 6pm curfew.
Meanwhile, the hustling and bustling continue on Regent Street and central Georgetown even though a number of businesses are closed.
Commercial banks in the city also continue to attract long lines without any social distancing guidelines.
The Guyana Police Force recently began to crack down on non-essential businesses operating during this time.
President of Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Nicholas Boyer had told the News Room during a recent interview that the GCCI had approached the COVID-19 Task Force to craft a way for non-essential businesses to operate for a specific time.
He had noted that businesses and economy are suffering and it remains a challenge to maintain a business during a lockdown.
At the weekend, Chief Executive Officer of the National COVID-19 Task Force Joseph Harmon assured that the country will not be going into a period of lockdown.
Harmon stated that the Task Force is considering an extension of the current measures beyond June 03.
On Saturday, May 30, Guyana recorded its 12th COVID-19 death. As of May 31, a total of 153 persons tested positive for the disease.
