–screening points now established

THE Barima-Waini region, located in the north-western part of Guyana, is at greater risk of positive COVID-19 cases being imported from Venezuela. This is because of the porosity of the borders that Guyana shares with neighbouring Venezuela.

The region has currently recorded three confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus; of these cases, one person has recovered, one has succumbed to the disease, and the other is currently in institutional isolation.
As of Thursday, May 28, 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says, Venezuela has a total of 1,245 positive COVID-19 cases. Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, who provided Thursday’s COVID-19 update, appealed to residents to be vigilant, and help to ensure that unofficial crossings are stopped.

“Residents of Region One, and particularly our miners, I appeal to you to take extra care and adhere to the guidelines for mining, in order to protect your families and friends. Please report if you have information about non-nationals entering your region, especially now that the border is closed. The non-official crossings are adding to the burden of surveillance,” he stated.

Regional Health Officer Dr. Steven Cheefoon explained that a screening point has been established at Morwhanna Village, the only official point of entry to Region One from Venezuela. He, however, said that since several unofficial points of entry have also been identified, screening points have been set up in those areas as well. At these checkpoints, information is collected from each person that has been screened, which information will help the regional health department in the future with contact tracing. Added to these measures, screening points have been established at the airstrips and all hospitals in the region.

Public facilities are also subject to continuous sanitisation.
“All wet-markets throughout Mabaruma, Matarkai and in Moruca also are sanitised. We have also begun sanitation exercises at schools and all public buildings; this is to ensure that you are safe at all times,” the RHO said.

Barima-Waini has seven isolation facilities; these are located at Baramita, Matthew’s Ridge, Port Kaituma, Mabaruma, Santa Rosa, Kwebanna and Waramuri. Twenty-seven persons from the region have thus far been tested. Meanwhile, sensitisation efforts continue in the region. “We ask that everybody adhere to the guidelines set up by the Ministry of Public Health and the National COVID-19 Task Force, because you staying safe is ensuring that the entire community stays safe,” Dr. Cheefoon appealed.