Backtrack operators outsmarting Covid-19 lock-down posture in Berbice

L-R Commander Brutus and Health Superintendent Henry

Persons operating and using the backtrack between Guyana and Suriname to enter Guyana have been posing challenges for health workers and law enforcement in Berbice, Region 6 in their battle against the coronavirus.

Divisional Commander Senior Superintendent Calvin Brutus has confirmed that reports have been coming to the police about persons using the backtrack to gain entry into Guyana despite the restriction on persons entering Guyana.

“We have had reports that persons are arriving in this country through the backtrack route. Although we have been patrolling the area, they have been going outside our net and they are arriving at the number 63 beach, not at one point but the entire stretch of the beach and they have been skillful with their timings” Commander Brutus told BIG Smith News Watch.

He further stated that by the time the police arrive at the location, the persons would already board their vehicles and left the location.

“Even though we have been placing ranks at specific locations on the river, persons who are operating the backtrack means of transportation are now using other areas to drop off such as number 63, 59 and other locations along the river making it difficult for the police to apprehend them” the commander added.

The senior police officer noted too, that outside of that challenge, there is the issue of persons who operate essential outlets who have been secretly selling alcohol in the process of having the essential parts of their business open after 6 pm. Brutus however noted that the police have been continuing with their patrols across the region to ensure that compliance with the 6 pm curfew as far as applicable.

Since its virgin imported coronavirus case back in March of a 78-year-old woman who has since passed away, Region 6 did not report any further deaths and local health workers and authorities there have been doing a tremendous amount of work to ensure the region has total control over the situation along with stakeholders.

Regional Health Services Medical Superintendent Vasana Henry in an interview with BIG Smith News Watch pointed to the screening posture in place at the Eastern end of the Berbice Bridge for persons seeking to enter the region via that means.

She also pointed to other screening facilities at New Amsterdam, Port Mourant, Mibicuri, and Skeldon Hospitals. Further to that, the regional health official also spoke of similar postures at Orealla and Siparuta for anyone seeking to enter region 6’s general population with any signs and symptoms of the coronavirus, once there is any indication of the virus, they are tested; she pointed out.

BIG Smith News Watch was told that approximately 2000 odd persons are being screened daily at the Berbice River Bridge by the facility which is in place there. Persons who are swabbed for the virus can have their results returned within 48 to 72 hours according to Henry. The established protocols of isolation, contact tracing, and surveillance once there is a suspected or confirmed case is also rigorously adhered to in Region 6 this publication was assured.

Ms. Henry told BIG Smith News Watch that the region is continuing its public awareness initiatives through weekly television programs. She has also encouraged residents of Region 6 to continue to remain at home and only venture on out for essentials and in a case where that becomes necessary, she should wear their masks and sanitize their hands.