AFTER weeks of recording a consistent increase in the number of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, there has been no new case for the past three days.

Confirmed cases to date remain at 153, even though authorities conducted an additional 14 COVID-19 tests within the past 24 hours. Health authorities have so far tested 1,672 persons, with 1,519 of those persons bearing negative results. There are, however, 73 active cases, of which 71 are in institutional isolation and two persons are being treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Additionally, of the total number of confirmed cases, 70 persons have recovered and 12 persons have lost their lives.

Considering the unpredictable nature of COVID-19 and the absence of a treatment/cure, health authorities remain on high alert, as they continue to monitor the local and international situation.

Director of Primary Health Services, Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton, said it remains important for persons to report signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, or sore throat. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually.

“Those persons experiencing the signs and symptoms of this disease are asked to contact the hotline or the closest health facility so that you can access the necessary services. The same is being asked of all those who have been in contact with someone who was tested positive. We appeal to all other agencies and community groups to reinforce the guidelines to all residents,” said Dr. Hamilton during a virtual COVID-19 update, on Tuesday.

Health authorities continue to work towards strengthening the healthcare system to respond to COVID-19 on a long-term basis.

The potential and existing activities are part of the plan to have a comprehensive COVID-19 health network, whereby patients across the country’s 10 administrative regions will be able to access these services.

THE EPICENTRE

Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) remains the epicentre of the disease, and there are a number of communities outside of Georgetown which have recorded cases.

Among communities on the East Coast Demerara (ECD) where cases have been recorded are: Atlantic Gardens, Friendship, Golden Grove, Good Hope, Lusignan, Plaisance, and Strathspey. Among communities on the East Bank Demerara (EBD) where there were cases are: Diamond, Grove, Land of Canaan, Providence, and Timehri.

Health authorities are also placing emphasis on the four hinterland regions, especially now that three of them have recorded cases of COVID-19.

The need for surveillance in those regions is also important, because Guyana’s South American neighbour, Brazil, is now rated as the COVID-19 epicentre of the Americas.

“We continue to ask residents to desist from crossing the borders as Brazil continues to record new cases every day. However, I ask that we pray for guidance for their health workers who, like ours, and those in every other country, stand in the frontline as our brave heroes,” said Dr. Hamilton in her update on Monday.

Residents of Regions One (Barima-Waini) and Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and most importantly those who are from the mining communities were also asked to be vigilant and forthcoming with information, which will aid health authorities in the containment of the disease.

Persons experiencing the signs and symptoms of this disease were asked to contact the hotline if they could or the closest health facility so that medical professionals could visit and provide the necessary services. Such was also being asked of all who had been in contact with someone who was tested positive.

COVID-19 remains a serious issue, not just here in Guyana, but globally as well. And, according to global statistics, there are over six million cases of COVID-19, with over 371,000 deaths. And, with no approved treatment or cure, there is no assurance that persons will survive after contracting the disease.

In the absence of approved medications, governments and authorities across the world have employed a number of preventive measures to contain the spread of the disease.