A TEAM organised by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) distributed some 325 face masks to citizens at the Parika Market, on Sunday, as part of that party’s efforts to help fight the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

According to party candidate, Deodat Indar, the team was organised by PPP/C Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali. In a live Facebook video from the market which was densely populated, Indar lamented that market sellers and buyers were not adhering to the guidelines for social distancing set in place by the government.

“This COVID-19 pandemic is a serious one. This market, as you can see right now, people are busy. Social distancing is something that will enable the slowing down of the spread of this pandemic, but, if you look around, you will see that people are not adhering to social distancing guidelines set by the authority,” he said.

He said that the PPP/C is in support of social distancing, and at this time it intends to do its part by distributing the masks to avoid the spread of the virus. Indar urged citizens that, even if they don’t feel as if they are at threat to the virus, they should take all precautions because persons can be carriers of the virus but show no symptoms.

He stated: “In everything we do we have to flatten the curve, meaning that we have to ensure COVID-19 does not destroy this country…this virus is the first of its kind for this generation and we have to do what we have to do to make sure that we stop the spread of it”.

At the time, there were only 325 masks available to be distributed as they are being sewn by a seamstress. Those assisting in the distribution were Chairman for Mora/Parika Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Jaideo Sookoo; Chairman of the Hydronie NDC, Parasram Persaud; Assistant First Secretary for Region 3 Group B, Deonarine Jaipersaud and Activist Georgieanna Rahman.