Dear Editor
GUYANA through its health authorities has been able to mount an adequate response, so far, to tend to those diagnosed with the killer COVID- 19 VIRUS. From both an empirical view, seen through the eyes of a layman, this current status quo of very small numbers of infected persons, compared to other jurisdictions may very well be due to the fact of increased testing. One must therefore dread, as to what our actual numbers are, if this facility is increased, by becoming available.

However, out of this current situation, our local health authorities have been able to mount laudable responses in terms of measures, in dealing with the cases thus far, which have come to their attention. But most importantly, by the mercies of providence, Guyana to date, has not been struck by very high numbers of persons diagnosed with the killer virus, which if it had begun, would have challenged our health system’s inadequacies, as pointed out by the PAHO/WHO Resident Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow.

This pause has been affording the health authorities adequate time to prepare critical support infrastructure such as a specialised COVID-19 hospital, and acquire other structures for quarantine and isolation purposes, in anticipation for increased cases. The reported efforts of acquiring vital personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, and critical patient life-support technology such as ventilators, are a must if Guyana has to cope with increased numbers of diagnosed cases. Add this also, ads for foreign medical personnel, points to a system that is sparing no amount of opportunities in preparing for extremes.

One hopes that among the PPE to be received would be protective gear for our health workers who have always been, and would continue to be, the health system’s frontline, in treating victims of the dreaded COVID-19, or in any other such crisis. The unfortunate and sad fact is the misguided, and archaic-minded attitude, of some members of our public, born out of gross ignorance. It is a common behaviour, though on a very limited scale, reported in Great Britain, where these VITALS of the NHS continue to be lauded by an appreciative public. But we must ensure the proper and adequate protection of our critical patient care segment, without which, it would be best for any health facility to close its doors. Let us continue to follow the guidelines; we cannot go wrong, as it is our only means of survival in these perilous times. Kudos to the government and its Ministry of Public Health, and their frontline an all staff for their great efforts.

Regards
Carla Mendonca