Health workers, public transport operators get two weeks to comply with vaccine rules

Health care workers as well as operators of minibuses, taxis and speedboat operators have been given a two week ‘grace period’ to comply with the recently gazetted COVID-19 measures on vaccinations. 

At the end of July, new COVID-19 emergency measures were published in the official gazette and signed by the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony. 

According to these measures, unvaccinated persons are now being required to make an appointment to visit and transact business at any government ministry or agency.

Additionally, operators of public transportation, such as minibus operators, taxi drivers, and speedboat operators, will now be required to be fully vaccinated in order to continue to transport passengers. 

These measures came into effect on August 1 and last  until the end of the month unless they are terminated earlier

Since then, some people have spoken out against the measures while others have rushed to get their COVID-19 vaccines. 

But, on Wednesday night, Dr. Anthony announced that the two week period to ensure compliance with the gazetted order has been granted. 

In a press statement, he said that this decision was made following his engagement with various stakeholders. 

“I wish to reiterate that the Government of Guyana has secured enough vaccines for the adult population. 

“Guyanese have a choice of first and second dose AstraZeneca or SinoPharm and first dose Sputnik V. Additionally, the Pfizer vaccine for our children will soon be available,” he stated too. 

He emphasised that the vaccines are safe and effective and that fully vaccinated people have a lower risk of getting infected, becoming hospitalised or even dying.