REGION Six Director of Health Services, Jevaughn Stephens, is assuring Berbicians that all measures are being taken to keep East Berbice, Corentyne, COVID 19-free.

His assurance came against the background of a family of five, on the Corentyne, being quarantined as the region steps up the fight against the virus.

According to information, one member of the family came in on the flight with the relative who died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) from the virus.

According to Stephens, initial testing on the family did not reveal any of the obvious symptoms; however, he stressed that monitoring of the family will continue.

“We were apprised of that matter, medical staff went to visit the person on Monday; five persons in the home, including a six-month- old baby. Everyone was examined and seemed okay, so we advised home quarantined for the family,” the director said.

In the meantime, the family was advised to remain in home quarantine and will receive continuous monitoring by health officials.

The regional health director is appealing to the public to not be afraid to call the hotline and ask for help.

“We want to advise the public to feel free to call us; there is nothing to be afraid of. Coronavirus, while it is contagious and widespread, is not 100 per cent deadly. The death rate for coronavirus or COVID 19 is very low. So we don’t want persons to be afraid and
isolate themselves without reaching out to medical staff to get help.
We want to ensure Guyana is protected and we cannot protect Guyana if persons are not being honest with us. I want persons to understand that it’s criminal not to seek help or call,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Region Six Health Services has been putting measures in place to ensure the safety of their staff as well as patients. Medical Superintendent, Dr.Vasana Henry, said among the measures being implemented are reduction in the daily visits from three times to two as well as limiting the amount of visitors to two per patient.

Further, there will only be one entrance in use at the Regional Hospital in New Amsterdam to screen patients. The guidelines as outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to tackle the virus will also be followed. In addition, doctors will start to see patients earlier in the mornings to avoid a gathering/buildup of
patients.

There will also be increased sanitation, continuous staff education, quarantine area for staff and patients as well as close monitoring of hygiene supplies.

Meanwhile, Divisional Commander, Calvin Brutus has confirmed that the police force is working closely to monitor the porous Corentyne border which has been closed.
He noted that while it is a huge task given there are numerous ports of entry that smugglers and fishermen can use, the police are keeping a close eye on several known points and have also increased their road patrols and roadblocks to conduct checks on suspicious individuals.
These persons, the regional top cop noted, will be taken to the nearest health facility to be tested and screened.

In addition, there are increased security measures at the courts where persons are being sanitised prior to entry to conduct their business.

This has already started at the High Courts and will from today be implemented at the magistrate courts region wide.

Brutus noted that they are in receipt of necessary hygiene supplies such as masks, sanitisers and gloves that have been distributed to the various stations and outposts in Region Six.

The commander noted as well that they have stopped issuing permits for events and have revoked permits previously issued for gatherings. He is urging the public to limit social gatherings and desist from hosting events illegally since it will be putting people at risk of contracting the virus.

Many persons in East Berbice, Corentyne, have been stocking up on essential supplies and staying at home to limit interaction with others.