The mandatory curfew implemented in Region Ten on Saturday saw residents and business owners fully complying. This was evident in Linden as well as in the outlying communities such as Ituni, Kwakwani and Mabura.
The curfew was instituted by the Regional Health Emergency Committee (RHEC) to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disease.
It mandates that from 05:00 hrs to 20:00 hrs, regular citizens will not be allowed in public spaces, except for essential workers such as nurses, police, military and personnel from Guyana Power and Light incorporated and Guyana Water Incorporated.
These persons are expected to have their respective employee identification on them at all times.
All businesses must be closed from 06:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs, except for supermarkets and pharmacies, which have to be closed at 19:00 hrs. During this period restaurants and bars can only offer delivery and eat-out services.
Residents were given a reminder at the respective times scheduled with the blowing of the bauxite horn.
Linden Mayor Her Worship Waneka Arrindell noted her satisfaction that the streets were cleared and businesses closed as mandated.
“I was very pleased to see Lindeners willing to support. Lindeners understood the need for the curfew and we also had the radio station keeping them entertained with programmes,” Arrindell said.
The Mayor disclosed that on Monday, March 31, members of the RHEC will be visiting businesses to ensure social distancing and sanitisation practices are being implemented.
Some business such as Banks DIH Linden Branch, supermarkets and barbershops have already implemented social distancing practices.
Mayor Arrindell reminded Region Ten residents if they exhibit symptoms related to the virus, they are to call the hotline numbers 444-6137 and 444-6127 to contact health officials.
The curfew will last for two weeks, after which it will be reviewed.