Dear Editor,
At 10:00 hours yesterday, Friday, members of the Guyana Police Force came down Regent Street and shut down stores that were open. We were in our shop, Alim Shah, with two staff members to do some administrative work – bills, VAT, etc still have to be paid. During that time, members of the public came to the grill doors that were pulled shut and begged us to sell them fabric and elastic to make face masks.
The COVID-19 task force has recommended that everyone wears a face mask. Home-made masks are being used for protection against the virus and have become a thriving cottage industry that is helping many to supplement incomes at this time when hundreds are not working and earning wages.
We are requesting that fabric shops be given some consideration and be included in the list of essential services even if we are allowed to open our doors for a limited time period in order to provide this service to the public.
Yours faithfully,
Alim Shah
