In light of Guyana confirming its 12th case of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Social Protection Ministry announced on Tuesday that visitation to senior citizens’ homes have been suspended.
This suspension, according to the Social Protection Ministry, was done since senior citizens are the most vulnerable to the virus.
The Ministry, in a statement, related that the suspension of visitation privileges in various homes for seniors, as well as in those for juveniles and the homeless, across the country was part of safety protocols to ensure the welfare of the elderly and stakeholders.
“Some of the homes where visitation will be suspended are the Palms Geriatric Home on Brickdam, the Night Shelter, the Hugo Chávez Rehabilitation and Reintegration Centre, and the New Opportunity Corps.
The suspension has taken effect from March 31 until further notice.
Last Wednesday, the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), in a bid to further protect senior citizens during this pandemic, urged the elderly to refrain from visiting the Post Offices during the first two days of the month unless it was absolutely necessary.
This, according to the Corporation, is in wake of thousands of senior citizens who would usually congregate at the various post offices to access their pensions.
The GPOC said that it would be enforcing a minimum distance of three feet between persons accessing its services; also, persons would be asked to sanitise their hands upon entry at the Post Offices.
On Tuesday, Guyana recorded 12 COVID-19 cases, with two deaths, including one of a healthcare worker.
