Curfew extended, cinemas remain closed

The Government of Guyana has extended the COVID-19 measures for the month of March, which means that restrictions against social activities remain in place and the 10:30pm to 4am curfew is still in effect.

In the updated measures published in the Official Gazette on Friday, the restriction on private parties, wedding receptions, wakes and the usage of hotel pools remain in effect.

Despite their pleadings, the restriction on cinemas also remains in place.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, had previously revealed that cinemas were told to install hepa air filters in order to be granted approval to reopen for business.

Cinema owners have been calling on the government for some time now to grant them approval to reopen as many jobs in the industry have been lost due to the continued closure since March 2020.

They contended that international studies have shown that cinemas continue to be areas of low risk of transmission for COVID-19, noting that all other countries in the West Indies and the Caribbean have authorized cinemas to reopen except Guyana.

Meanwhile, in the updated National COVID-19 measures published on February 26, the government said businesses and entities which are allowed to operate including bars, restaurants, places of worship and other commercial businesses are to follow all COVID-19 guidelines for safety.