Gov’t extends COVID-19 emergency measures; says overhauling entire public health response

The Government Friday afternoon announced that it is extending the COVID-19 emergency measures to the end of August as it works to overhaul the public health response to the pandemic here.

The emergency measures were made pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) (b) of the Direction by the President, given under the Public Health Ordinance, Cap. 145, and published in the Gazette, Legal Supplement on March 16.

The COVID-19 Emergency Measures will expire on 31^st August, 2020 unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Public Health after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions.

“The Government of Guyana has made a rapid assessment of the response to the COVID 19 pandemic and has found that it was fragmented, and incapable of administering the public health, economic and social measures needed to keep the population safe,” the Ministry of Public Health stated.

It said it has initiated a complete overhaul of the current public health response.

“Government has looked at the approach used in other territories, especially in the Caribbean, and has resolved that a multi-sector and multi-faceted approach has been the most successful model, with an aggressive policy of detection, contact tracing and if positive isolation.

“Over the last week the Government of Guyana engaged various sectors to developed clear guidelines on epidemiological, social and economic conditions to keep people safe, and put measures in place to support business and households.

“These current regulations would be extended for a limited period, to allow for further assessments and consultations as we develop updated protocols, leading to the eventual and systemic opening up of the economy.”