More businesses have begun implementing measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
While some have decided to close until further notice, others have reduced working hours and implemented protocols to limit the amount of persons visiting their entities at any one time.
While these measures will have a negative effect on the financial stability of the businesses, operators believe that they are necessary to protect the health of not only staff but others visiting.
At least two prominent dental clinics and three restaurants in Georgetown have announced that they are halting operations until further notice.
Within the last week, many businesses have temporarily closed the doors to their operations. Businesses have also reported a decline in commercial activities but have said that the slowdown is compounded by the presence of COVID-19 and the post-elections political crisis.
Over the weekend, Smile Guyana at Middle Street announced that it was halting operations until further notice, while the Jagan Dental Centre at Lamaha Street has said it was closing for a week. In their notices, posted on Facebook, the dental clinics related that they would be facilitating emergency services and persons could contact them via social media.
Smile Guyana, in its notice, announced that all three branches—at Middle Street, George-town, Mon Repos and Le Ressouvenir—will be closed.
The management explained that the closure is due to the growing concerns about the spread of the COVID-19 in Guyana.
“Our social media team and dental receptionists will be working to answer your calls and questions. We will also be booking appointments for any emergency dental care needed.
We regret any inconvenience this may cause but it is in the best interest of our valued clients and our staff. Looking forward to serving you with the best service when we reopen. Stay posted for an exact reopening date!” the notice added.
A simple notice from Jagan Dental Centre informed clients that it has closed from Monday, March 23, for one week, to help contain the spread of COVID-19.
“It’s unfortunate but during such times we all must play our part to help protect each other. Be sure to message us should any dental emergency arise and we will try to assist in whatever way we can,” the notice on Facebook added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Harry Hanoman of Hanoman Dental Clinic located at Brickdam, Georgetown and New Amster-dam, Berbice yesterday told Stabroek News that he has restricted walk-in clients in a bid to control the volume of persons present at the clinic at one time.
He explained that they are only operating by appointments only—one way in which he said they are able to monitor the amount of persons present in the clinic. With appointments, he stressed, less persons are likely to be exposed to contracting the virus.
He noted that at this point, he has not considered closing operations since he has to consider the welfare of his staff. Hanoman said that they have heightened their sanitation at the Clinic and have been following guidelines shared by the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Public Health to operate in a safe environment.
C. Persaud, proprietor of C. Persaud Dental Lab, at Nandy Park, told this newspaper that while he has considered closing operations, at this point they are working with a skeletal staff. He explained that they, too, have been following the prevention guidelines shared by health authorities and have implemented stringent measures to avoid the possible spread of the disease.
He said persons entering the premises are required to wash their hands with soap at a sink set up at the entrance before entering the waiting area. In the waiting area, he explained they have reorganised the seating, giving persons the recommended space apart.
According to Persaud, they are also screening persons by requesting that they provide their travel history and declare whether they have been ill.
The proprietor, however, noted that he has seen a 20 per cent decline in business since the announcement of COVID-19 here. He explained though that in the lead up to elections and post elections business declined by 50 per cent.
Movie theatres
Additionally, cinemas at the Giftland Mall and the Movie Towne theatres have reported a drop in the number of patrons attending screenings. They have, nonetheless, implemented systems to prevent the spread of the virus.
Mark Farinha, Manager at Caribbean Cinemas explained that while they have seen a “drastic” reduction in persons visiting the theatres, they have intensified their sanitation activities by regularly cleaning and wiping seats and surfaces.
Touching on the staffing, Farinha said they have reduced working hours and they are rotating the staff on a new shift system. He explained that they have seen a drastic reduction in patrons visiting the theatres. While the theatres can accommodate 220 persons they are now seeing approximately 40-60 persons per a showing. He indicated while this would contribute negatively to the performance of the business, he said persons can enjoy watching movies in a spaced out environment, which is encouraged to limit the spread of the virus.
Over at MovieTowne, supervisor Bristol (only name given) related that they have limited their physical interactions with customers. She explained that they will just look at a person’s ticket and direct them to the theatre.
Just like Caribbean Cinemas, they too have seen a significant reduction in the number of persons visiting the theatres. This has led to the management only operating three theatres and limiting the showing of every movie to once per day.
Touching on measures taken for staff safety, Bristol said that staff are given frequent days off, a move she said to prevent crowding at the facility.
She also boasted of the sanitation being increased at the mall and the theatres and said that they are taking all precautions to limit the spread of the disease. “It is affecting us tremendously but we have to consider our staff also and how to keep them employed. Everyone is trying to survive this crisis and we have to take interest in our staff,” she added.
Restaurants
The Bistro Café and Bar at Middle Street and Bistro Wine and Champagne Bar at MovieTowne have joined the list of eateries that have closed within the last week.
In a message posted on their Facebook page, the management of the eateries said “Due to the Coronavirus outbreak we have to do our part in ensuring the safety of our customers and employees so we will be closed from this Sunday 22.”
The management also informed that the closure is temporary although they do not have a date to resume operations. They also asked that persons take all necessary precautions, including social distancing and practising proper hygiene.
Antonio’s Grille, located on Sheriff Street, on Saturday announced too that they are also temporarily halting operations until further notice.
Popular creole cuisine restaurant Shanta’s, located at Camp and New Market streets, on Sunday announced they are also closing until further notice.
Shanta’s said that the decision was taken for the “safety of our staff, their families our customers and the whole of the Guyanese community”,
Following the confirmation of the coronavirus in Guyana, Shanta’s had last week taken a decision to halt seated service at the site, while still facilitating takeaway orders and deliveries.
Shanta’s, which has been in business for over 50 years, urged Guyanese to be kind to each other and “check on your neighbours in need”.
Meanwhile, some eateries, such as Coffee Bean on Church Street and Kosmos Grill and Lounge at MovieTowne have been encouraging persons to support their business through takeout.
Yesterday Narvini Dewnath, co-proprietor of the Coffee Bean, told Stabroek News that they have seen a decline in persons wanting to dine in. She noted that with this, they have made a decision to offer take out service through pick up or delivery to their customers. She also said that they have reduced their operating hours.
President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) Mitra Rajkumar said most businesses in the hospitality industry have seen a reduction of patrons. He noted that in light of this, operators have made the decision to have staff on rotation or asked that staff proceed on annual leave or no pay leave.
Hotels last week reported that they have seen a reduction in occupancy and fear that the situation will take a turn for the worse given that the ports of entry are shut.
Rajkumar had said that the tourism and hospitality sector is likely to be the most affected and the impacts have the potential to crush the industry.
Since the confirmation of COVID-19 here, businesses have been taking stringent measures to prevent its spread, with some opting to suspend operations.
Thousands of workers in the private sector could be affected should more move to do the same. Some are already contemplating asking staffers to proceed on leave until the situation is controlled.
