Guyana: Authorities to reopen international airports October 12 /update 7

Event

The government of Guyana has announced that the country's two international airports will reopen to international commercial flights from October 12. Cheddi Jaggan International Airport (GEO) and Eugene F. Correia International Airport (OGL) have been closed since March due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Authorities have stated that those arriving will be subject to testing and other measures in place, although exact details on requirements are to be confirmed in the coming days ahead of the reopening.

Authorities have also extended the nationwide curfew, although curfew hours have been reduced to between 21:00 and 04:00 (local time). Special measures remain in place in Region 7 and Region 9, where gatherings are limited to a maximum of five people, until further notice.

A number of other restrictions remain in place across Guyana. Authorized businesses, including shops selling food, may only operate between 04:00 and 20:00. Food service and restaurants are only permitted to be open for delivery, drive-through, and takeaway services during these hours. Gatherings are limited to a maximum of ten people in most regions and private parties, supporting events, and receptions are currently banned. Individuals continue to be encouraged to remain in their homes as much as possible. Outdoor exercise is limited to 90 minutes per day and individuals are required to wear a face mask in public.

As of Friday, October 2, authorities have confirmed 2894 cases of the virus in Guyana, including 80 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected in the near term.

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). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

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

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

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 COVID-19 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 COVID-19 call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.