VOLUNTEERS of the Ministry of Public Health’s Health Emergency Operating Centre (HEOC) will now be able to access free mobile service from the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT), as they continue to assist in the fight against the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease.

GTT said it will extend its complementary mobile offer to the HEOC volunteers as it has to nurses and doctors for the same period.
“This is one of the many ways we at GTT and MMG choose to express our gratitude to those who have selflessly volunteered their services during this pandemic. Their contributions are noted and we want to say thank you to those volunteers for doing their part in helping to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana,” said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTT, Justin Nedd, in a press statement, on Monday.

Additionally, the company, through Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) will make donations over a period of three months to support the HEOC.
Since the confirmation of the first case of COVID-19 in Guyana, the Ministry of Public Health, through the HEOC, activated a 24-hour hotline to serve as one of its first line of defence in Guyana’s fight against the virus.

In March 2020, the COVID-19 hotline numbers were made toll free – compliments of GTT.
Members of the public are encouraged to call the hotline on 0180 and 0181 for information regarding COVID-19. The hotline serves as one of the main source of information to facilitate Contact Tracing – a vital component in identifying those who need further medical advice and care.

According to the World Health Organisation, COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.  Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub frequently and not touching your face.

The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).

At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments. WHO will continue to provide updated information as soon as clinical findings become available.