Stay home: Suriname targets mass movement with new containment measures
Effective Monday (June 8), Suriname has
implemented stricter measures as the Dutch-speaking country ramps up efforts to
contain further spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Officials are using the next two weeks to
greatly curtail mass movement as a new spike in cases sees the national tally climb
to 122.
Suriname, which is now in the Code Red
phase of its national response, re-emerged on the COVID-19 radar when it confirmed
new cases in late May. Since then, infections have ballooned and doubled
Suriname’s confirmed tally every two days.
As of Monday, the CARICOM member has 111
active cases, nine recoveries and two deaths associated with the local coronavirus
outbreak. The second patient died earlier on Monday at the intensive care unit
of the Regional Hospital Wanica in Lelydorp.
“It is difficult, a no switi, but we have
to do this together,” said Daniëlle Veira, the director of National Security on
Sunday (June 7).
The number of people observing government-sanctioned
quarantine has risen from 176 to 230.
Last Friday (June 5), the government
announced a lockdown of the country that is still awaiting the official results
of the May 25 general elections.
Veira explained that the measures were
necessary to curb the spread of the virus and appealed to people to stay at
home and that only essential personnel and emergency cases would be allowed on
the streets.
The authorities said that while shops will
open daily for five days in the week, shopping would be limited to a seven-hour
period.
“Wednesdays and Sundays are closed everywhere and you are not allowed on the street,” Veira said, adding that only one family person, who must be at least 16-years-old, will be allowed to go to the stores.
At the same time, authorities warned that
even when the shops are opened, it will not be a “free for all” and that it
will be done on the first letter of the family name.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing
said it would be distributing social packages to households registered with the
Suriname Emergency Fund.
