Clinic visitors are provided with a mask if they do not already have one.
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We recently wrote about the need to collect masks for people in Haiti. Thank you to everyone who has responded by making masks for us to send! We have them on a ship to Haiti now. In the meantime, we found people in Haiti who could make them very cost effectively. Hundreds of masks have already been made thanks to your giving! Both approaches to meeting this need are very important. There is the health consideration, but the law in Haiti is also very strict. This is the actual legal language about masks:
Offense: Refusal to wear a mask by anyone except children under the age of five who are on or traveling on public roads: Penalty incurred: three thousand gourdes fine (about $30US) + Five days in prison + fifteen days of work of general interest to be determined by the Municipal Council, - Competent court: Simple police court, all discontinuing cases. Reference text: Art. 8 Decree of May 20, 2020.
You can see the government isn't kidding! There are many other restrictions on movement and public gatherings with similar penalties. Because you gave, we have been able to supply 300 masks to the clinic, 100 masks to Mount Olive Church, 300 to Morija Baptist Church in Acul-Samedi, 48 to Radio 4VEH, and 200 are on the way to Salt & Light Church in Plaine-du-Nord. Additonally, we have asked for 300 more to be made for the church members in Dolval. Pastor Oris and the founding pastor or Redford Baptist Church have personally supplied 500 masks for that church as well. This is a blessing to the people as they can travel as needed and stay in compliance with the law.
Haiti is working very hard to contain the epidemic, and these laws will not be lifted any time soon. If you would like to help out, you still can. We have set up a page where you can give if you would like to support the effort. There is also more information and a video on that page by Dr. Oris Guillaume, Haiti Cheri's CEO, explaining the need and what is being done. Just click the link to learn more: https://haiticheri.givingfuel.com/masks.
The clinic in Cap-Haitien remains open, as it is classed as essential. Our staff serves faithfully. As always, we are grateful for your support that makes ministry possible. Thank you!
