Task Force to rigorously enforce new ‘COVID’ vaccination requirements

Being vaccinated against COVID-19 is becoming more essential with the National COVID-19 Task Force increasing its surveillance with random checks at public spaces, bars, restaurants and public transportation to ensure persons are accessing services according to new public health requirements.

“If they are unvaccinated and not able to show their vaccination card, well then they will have to face the penalties,” Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony said on Friday during the daily COVID-19 Update.

The COVID-19 Task Force will also be checking in with government ministries to ensure there is compliance with the new measure. Unvaccinated persons are no longer allowed into ministries and government agencies except by appointment.

“From time to time the Task Force would be going out to various ministries to check and see how these rules are implemented,” Dr Anthony stated.

There will also be rigorous monitoring of minibus drivers, their conductors and speed boat operators who are now mandated to be vaccinated before carrying out their operations.

The new requirements in large measure prevent unvaccinated persons from accessing certain facilities and services.

Persons who received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are now allowed access to restaurants and bars. Advisor to the Ministry of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy made this disclosure during a recent meeting with the Guyana Tourism Authority and its members.

Dr Ramsammy explained this is being done because there are not enough vaccines for persons to be fully vaccinated with both doses of the vaccine.

Meanwhile, Dr Anthony further noted that there has been an uptake in persons becoming vaccinated since the new measures were announced.

On Thursday, more than 3, 500 persons were inoculated with the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Dr Anthony assured that there are enough vaccines for everyone 18 years and above.

To date, 53.5 per cent of the adult population received their first dose of the vaccine while 29.4 per cent of the adult population is fully vaccinated with both doses.

The government is considering a digital vaccination card.