COVID-19 Taskforce not trying to be ‘party Grinch’ – Health Minister

This holiday season has seen the COVID-19 Taskforce on an aggressive campaign to clamp down on gatherings and parties countrywide in order to mitigate the spread of the deadly disease.

Some go under the radar but others are stopped by the Taskforce which faces constant criticisms on social media but according to the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, the Taskforce would not be such “a party Grinch” if citizens do the right thing and operate within the boundaries of the guidelines.

“If you are going to play hide and seek and hold parties because you think it is the right thing to do, you may get away with it because the Taskforce cannot be everywhere but you also need to seriously think about the fact that you are putting everyone in danger of contracting a deadly disease,” Dr. Anthony said during his daily COVID-19 update on Tuesday.

“The Taskforce is not trying to be a party Grinch here, we are trying to protect people,” he added.

According to the Health Minister, the spread of the virus is increased by “reckless behaviour” and such attitude needs to be changed if Guyana has a standing chance against the new rapidly spreading Omicron variant.

“If people are adapting safe behaviours, then they will not get sick but if you continue to flout the regulations, then you are putting yourself and others at risk and we need to think about that,” Dr. Anthony underscored.

At the weekend, the COVID-19 Taskforce had its hand full, swooping down on several parties at popular clubs that flouted the regulations.

A massive, unauthorised ‘Chutney Jam’ party at the Aracari resort in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), that featured some local and foreign performers, was stopped.

In Georgetown, another massive party at the Tower Hotel and Suites was stopped as well and this event raised many fire safety concerns as two small doors served as the only exits.

Already, the work of the Taskforce is becoming increasingly difficult with a rise in street parties as the Guyana Police Force (GPF) does not have enough capacity to control.