City Mayor says ‘loose’ guidelines stymying fight against pandemic

City Mayor, Ubraj Narine says the current COVID-19 guidelines are too lenient, and therefore, affecting the city’s fight against the pandemic.

“The Gazetted Order by the Ministry of Health is a loose one, it is not saving people’s lives, it is killing people and the businesses telling you plain ‘it is in the Order’,” Narine told a press conference in the Mayor and City Council’s (M&CC) Chamber on Wednesday.

He pointed out that there are many persons who do not know they have the disease and are walking around freely in Georgetown.

As more persons are travelling to the city for holiday shopping, the Mayor wants COVID-19 testing sites to return to busy areas.

“I said to one of the health officer at the ministry to let us set up some hubs in the city and start testing people again. There is no hub in the city,” Narine said.

The Mayor said one of the first things which need review is the 10:30pm to 4am curfew.

He noted that “it is currently business as usual” for many persons who are taking advantage of the curfew to lime on Church Street, the Stabroek Market area and the seawalls.

“Nobody cares,” a frustrated Narine said.

Businesses across the city had to install sinks for persons to wash their hands before entering the stores. Persons are also mandated to wear masks.

In addition, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony is urging persons to remain in their homes if they do not have to go into the city.

Guyana on Wednesday confirmed 43 new COVID-19 cases, moving the overall total to 6,016 of which 2,601 were confirmed in Region Four. However, an overall 5,185 persons have so far recovered.