GBTI closes Lethem branch due to Covid-19

Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) has temporarily closed its Lethem, Region Nine branch.

GBTI noted on Tuesday night that it was closing its Lethem branch effective July 14, 2021for an indefinite period.

The bank noted that its Automated Teller Machine (ATMs), night depository as well as its online mobile and mobile banking systems remain operational and accessible to residents of the border town.

Earlier this month, Republic Bank suspended its operations at the town. Customers can still access that bank’s ATM and other virtual facilities at the town.

The Rupununi region has been hit hard in recent weeks by a surge in COVID-19 cases, even as the Ministry of Health work around the clock to roll out its vaccination campaign. To date, over 8,400 persons in the region have  received their first dose of the COVID vaccines made available by the authorities.

The Rupununi’s COVID-19 tally surged in June , 2021 with almost 700 cases recorded for that month alone. To date , the Rupununi region has recorded 1671 positive COVID-19 cases with multiple deaths.

The village of St Ignatius has the highest number of active COVID-19  cases. Region Nine Chairman, Bryan Allicock has told another section of the media that the sharp rise in cases may be attributed to frequent house parties hosted by residents.