Guyana: International flight suspension extended until July 31 /update 3

Event

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced that both Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO) in Timehri and Eugene F. Correia International Airport (OGL) in Georgetown will continue to be closed to international flights until July 31 amid the ongoing coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) pandemic. Both airports have been closed to international arrivals since March 18 with the exceptions to cargo flights, medical evacuations, fuel stops, and specially authorized flights. The development means that the GCAA's four-phased plan for reopening the country to international travelers will be postponed with phase two beginning on August 1 at the earliest. Phase two will allow limited flights for incoming citizens, residents, intentional workers, and diplomats.

A curfew is currently in place between 18:00 (local time) and 06:00. Members of the public are also asked to remain in their homes at all times unless their travel complies with the current Emergency Measures, the provisions of which can be found here. Essential services are also operating on reduced hours.

As of Monday, July 6, authorities confirmed at least 273 cases of the virus in Guyana, including 15 fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected in the coming days and weeks.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.