20 imported COVID-19 cases since airports reopened

Since the reopening of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the Eugene F. Correia International Airport on October 12, there have been 20 recorded imported cases of COVID-19.

“We have reached out to those persons and explained the measures that they need to take and we have been monitoring them,” said Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony revealed on Thursday during the daily COVID-19 update.

Passengers, who were in close proximity to those who tested positive, were also contacted by the ministry and asked to self-isolate or self-quarantine.

“We would normally reach out to the persons who sat next to them, like the rows in front, side and at the back because these other passengers would have been in close proximity to the infected persons and would have been for a number of hours so the possibility of spread is there,” the Health Minister explained.

Passengers, who provide a negative PCR COVID-19 test which was done within four to seven days upon their arrival here, have to undergo another test at the airports when they land. The passengers are required to isolate at home until they receive their results within 24 hours.

For persons who cannot isolate or quarantine at home, the Health Minister stated that the ministry also provides facilities for such persons.

A payment of US$85 or GY$17, 760 is required for the test. The airlines currently operating here are Caribbean, Eastern, American, Copa and JetBlue Airlines.