Lawrence laments laid back attitude to COVID-19

De facto Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence today lamented the cavalier approach to COVID-19 citing the 110% increase in cases in less than a month despite various measures to contain the spread of the virus.
An abridged version of Lawrence’s presentation today follows:
“Fellow Guyanese, today is May 1st, 2020, some fifty days since our first case of COVID-19 was reported. On day 9 with 6 confirmed cases we began implementing measures with the closure of all international airports. On day 24 when another 33 cases were confirmed, the Ministry of Public Health instituted the curfew, the rotation policy, the stay at home and work from home policies as well as the closing of several businesses. We are now at day 50 and we are right where we began with another 43 cases, a 110% increase in less than one month. I want to ask you my fellow Guyanese what is it that you want?
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“It’s obvious that you are not taking the COVID-19 pandemic seriously. How else can we explain a 110% increase in positive cases in less than a month, how else can we explain people congregating to play dominos or having a few beers on the corner, how else can we explain people visiting family and friends as normal. My friends it’s time for us to get serious. It is unfair to those who are following the guidelines to be placed at unnecessary risk especially our health workers just because some of you don’t want to change your behaviour, you are being selfish. We are in a health crisis. I cannot put it differently, we are in a health crisis.
“From day one (1) you were all told that we can stop COVID-19 from spreading that remains the same today, the question begs to be asked. Do you want to stop it? Everyone has a role to play, what role are you playing?
“Stop venturing out unless you must, stop the congregating in public places, stop visiting friends and family, maintain the physical distancing. You know all these guidelines, so please adhere to them so that we can get on with our lives and livelihood.
“So today as we celebrate Labour Day, I take this opportunity to salute the health workers in both the public and private institutions, I wish to thank you for putting your life on the back burner and attending to the needs of our people in this pandemic. We value your care, consideration, and sacrifices noting that you are giving service above self. We pray that you will draw strength from those of us who are standing firmly with you”.