Scores arrested at bars after breaching COVID-19 curfew

Scores of persons were arrested at several bars on Saturday night and Sunday morning for breaching the national curfew and for being in spaces that violated the gazetted measures which limit the occupancy in bars and restaurants to 40 per cent capacity.

During a COVID-19 patrol operation along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), which began after 22:30hrs on Saturday night, 40 persons were arrested for a breach of the COVID-19 restrictions at the Boat House bar at Supply. The operation included officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

Additionally, in the wee hours of Sunday, another group of officers received information that a large number of persons were gathered at the Homme Hospitality Hotel and Bar, in breach of the COVID-19 measures, as well. Here, 26 persons were arrested and placed on cash bail, pending court appearances.

The News Room was also reliably informed that scores of patrons were arrested at several bars and hangout spots in Georgetown. Some 23 persons were arrested at the Sleep-In Hotel, located on Church Street; 20 persons at the Altitude Bar on Sandy Babb Street; and, 31 persons at the Kairos Bar on Charlotte Street.

A recent advisory from National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) Secretariat indicated that the joint services will be conducting nationwide patrols to enforce the COVID-19 guidelines over the Easter Weekend. The News Room has been informed that these patrols will continue.

The curfew is from 22:30hrs to 04:00hrs; bars and restaurants are to close at 21:30hrs.