Republic Bank, Giftland signal intention to enforce vaccine mandate

Republic Bank Guyana Limited, one of the largest commercial banks here and Giftland Mall have both issued notices notifying customers of their intention to enforce the new vaccine mandate that includes public and private businesses.

In a statement Giftland Group says the Ministry of Health has implemented a number of preventative measures to alleviate the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Guyana. “Following the latest gazetted order, the Giftland Group has commenced planning to adjust to these new restrictions that will take effect on Thursday, September 9th, 2021. Despite 99% of the Giftland Group employees being vaccinated, this timeline will allow the store owners, employees, mall workers, suppliers and customers to become fully compliant in the shortest time possible, without disruption of business and to ensure a smooth transition for complete compliance with the new regulations ” Giftland said in a statement.

“Our patrons are advised to walk with their vaccination cards and a valid ID Card/License to gain entry at the mall, as this will be a primary requirement by law. Step-by-step verification will be done to ensure everyone in the mall adheres to these news rules and if anyone is in possession or produces false documents they will be sent to the relevant authorities.”

“At the Giftland Mall, we ensure that our concessions and staff are fully compliant with all public health measures to ensure maximum protection which has been our paramount priority since the inception of the pandemic. These efforts will minimise the pandemic’s impact which will allow citizens to be further protected including the spread of new and concerning variants.

For its part, Republic Bank restated the new order, while noting that should customers  have related questions, they should contact the bank or email your Branch or account Officer or contact us via GYEmail@rfhl.com.

“We thank you for your understanding, and encourage everyone to continue practicing the relevant safety measures.”

Village Voice News reported earlier that to enter a public building, meaning a building to which the public has lawful access, persons in Guyana will now need to be vaccinated or enter by appointment with a negative PCR test. This is according to the newly updated COVID-19 Emergency Measures which took effect September 4, 2021.

The vaccination requirement for “public building” also applies to privately-owned buildings including all institutions of learning. This move by the Government has increased the number of buildings that unvaccinated and non-holders of negative PCR tests do not have access to.

Previously, in the July 29, 2021, Measures the Government only placed the restriction on persons visiting a Ministry or Government Agency.

However, the new instruction for public buildings remains similar that where a member of the public wishes to enter a public building that person much present a vaccination card or that person may only access the building by appointment with a negative PCR test.
For unvaccinated employees of public buildings, they must present a negative PCR test within 7 days of the day they wish to enter the building.

Interestingly, the sections of the previous Measure which spoke to vaccination exemptions and the reopening of schools have not been included in the September 4th Emergency Measures. The previous Emergency Measures have been revoked.

The stricter enforcement comes as many Guyanese remain unvaccinated and against forced vaccination. In some parts of the country, protests have been planned for September 6, 2021, by a range of groups affected by the measures including teachers, health workers and public transport operators.

Over 318,000 persons have been vaccinated with their first dose in Guyana while over 166,000 are fully vaccinated.