CHESTER SAMBRANO
The protocols for entry into Guyana are less strict than Trinidad and Tobago, although that country has opted to open its borders.
On October 12th, the South American country removed restrictions on international flights coming in, as opposed to T&T whose borders remain closed for the most part—only citizens on chartered flights with exemptions are being granted access.
Another area where both countries differ is that of quarantine.
As it stands right now, anyone flying into Guyana must have a negative COVID-19 PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test result no older than 72 hours.
Once that is achieved, full access will be granted.
If the negative test result is beyond the stipulated time, then a further test will be conducted at the airport but the person will be allowed to go to their destination to quarantine until a result is received 6 to 8 hours later.
"Once you are negative you are then allowed to go about your business," Guyana Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said on CNC3's The Morning Brew on Monday.
In T&T country, anyone returning home must be taken to State quarantine for 14 days.
There are some similarities between this country and Guyana, however, when it comes to the economic effects of the pandemic.
Dr Anthony says as the hospitality sector remains closed, quite a number of jobs have been lost.
"We have been working with the hospitality sector to look at ways in which they can open but effectively, most of the entertainment sector is closed."
He said these particular areas can be sites for super-spreaders.
Dr Anthony said the government has been trying to strike a balance between public health measures and economic measures and this is why the curfew time was adjusted to 9 pm to 4 am.
He said the Guyana Government also has been running several campaigns to educate the population on the importance of getting tested, obeying health regulations as well as wearing masks.
Guyana currently has 600 active cases and the death tally stands at 109 persons.
