…mayor calls on minibus operators, residents to employ health measures outlined by the authorities

A 60-year old man from the town of Mahdia who was recently hospitalised at the town with symptoms of the Coronavirus, has tested negative for the virus.
This was confirmed by medical officials and the town’s mayor in the Potaro/Siparuni Region on Friday.

Reports are that the man, who operates a business in the North Fork Backdam at Mahdia, visited the regional hospital in the town several nights ago after he complained about his health. The man told staff to avoid close contact with him initially, since he was displaying symptoms of the pandemic. Staff then changed into their PPEs (personal protective equipment) and attended to the man. Preparations were then made for samples taken from him to be flown to the city the following morning.

Reports are that although the man has a history of respiratory health issues, medical staff at the Mahdia Hospital were not taking any chances.

Mahdia Mayor, David Adams, said the initial reports of the patient seeking treatment at the hospital created anxiety in the region and he noted that while he is happy that the result of the test is negative, he implored residents to continue observing the relevant health practices. Regional health officials at the town have been undertaking continuous public awareness drives to educate residents of the town and other villages in the region about the seriousness of COVID-19 as well as the requisite health precautions that should be followed.

Regional officials have also visited various Indigenous villages in the region as recent as Friday to undertake the awareness campaign. In addition, broadcasters at Radio Mahdia, the National Communications Network (NCN) relay station, has been frequently appealing to residents to employ health precautions. On Friday, Mayor Adams told the Guyana Chronicle that the authorities in the town are taking all precautions to guard against the virus. He said that minibus operators have been warned to transport only half of the quota of passengers as per normal. He said it is up to the police to enforce the requisite measures, noting that the minibuses would have to pass several check points, including at Linden and Mabura, along the route to and from the town.

“They are to use half the bus load, use their masks and sanitise the buses,” he said.
Adams said that while there were suggestions to completely halt their operations, such a move will affect the economic standing of the town. ”There is no stoppage of movement of passengers, there are some persons who believe that we should cut them off but the Disaster Risk Management Committee doesn’t believe so, we cannot shut-off Mahdia like that, there are no plane arrangements and that would be too expensive and the only means of transportation to get in and out of Mahdia is by the bus,” Adams said.

Adams urged residents to ensure they follow the necessary health precautions of staying indoors, washing their hands regularly, and also observe the health measures put in place by the Ministry of Public Health.