Public Servants Forced To Go Back To Work Amidst The Rise Of COVID-19 Cases

There have been several reports about the Government of Guyana forcing public servants to return to the office. Allegedly, as a result of this policy, some public servants got infected with the Coronavirus. 

The former Public Service Minister, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, reiterated that once someone is tested positive, it can have long-term effects. 

“Some persons may or may not get it, but there are long-term effects on those who get the virus,” said Halley.

This reckless move to have staff return will affect those working in the office, but health care workers will now be put in the position to work overtime in efforts to care for those who are now infected. 

According to the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings, this will put a strain on the health care system if there’s a sudden shortage of staff.

“What you find is that the frontline workers are more at risk. You have doctors getting the COVID-19 and some nurses, including those working in the Intensive Care Unit,” said Dr. Cummings. 

The MP for APNU+AFC Coretta McDonald stated that the government used this situation with vindictiveness towards the opposition party since most public servants have shown a preference of support for them in the past. 

“This rush to have workers return to work is just a mere act of spite. And I would go a little further to say that Public Servants have [been] classified as the main supporters for the APNU+AFC. As a means of getting back at them, this illegal government has decided to force workers to return to work without even considering the conditions that are necessary and that are supposed to be in place when we think about this COVID pandemic,” said McDonald at a press conference.

Today, APNU+AFC leader, Joseph Harmon, blasted the current administration for their irresponsible and reckless act which can endanger many Guyanese. 

“This is irresponsible, reckless, and endangers the lives of every public servant, every member of their families and households, and everyone who they come into contact with,” said Mr. Harmon.

He stated that parents are worried about child care because of recent school closures. According to Harmon, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) continues to add to the hardships of many Guyanese citizens during this COVID-19 period. 

“This is unconscionable by the PPP who are daily creating more undue hardships for Guyanese, including single mothers who are already experiencing challenging times as a result of the economic fallout from the pandemic,” said Harmon. 

He called on the current administration to revert from such unthinkable acts and allow public servants to work remotely.