-Moruca becomes epicentre for Region One; repatriated persons violating agreement

THERE continues to be a consistent increase in the number of novel coronavirus cases here, as health authorities reported that the country has recorded three new cases within the past 24 hours.

The new cases were discovered after health authorities conducted 78 tests between Tuesday and Wednesday.

Health authorities have so far tested 2,222 persons, with 2,017 proving negative and 209 positive. Of the positive cases, 107 persons have recovered to date, while 12 persons have lost their lives. But health authorities are still monitoring 90 active cases, of which 89 are in institutional isolation and one in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Local authorities remain cautious about the prevailing situation as persons continue to return home from abroad.

“Fellow Guyanese, yesterday [Wednesday] we addressed the issue of the repatriation of our nationals and the misinformation you are providing to our health officials on your arrival. This irresponsible and selfish act is putting your life and the lives of our citizens at risk and placing undue pressure on our health workers and health system,” Dr. Persaud lamented during a virtual COVID-19 update on Wednesday.

In view of this situation, the CMO reminded repatriated Guyanese that they signed an agreement which stipulated that they must remain in home quarantine for a specified period of time.

Arriving home with a negative COVID-19 test does not prevent persons from contracting COVID-19 while travelling or on arrival in Guyana, said Dr. Persaud. He noted that it is, therefore, important that persons subject themselves to quarantine and surveillance by medical professionals.

“It is disappointing to learn that when health officials try to follow up with you, either you are not at home or they are unable to contact you because the information you provided is inaccurate and you are not at the stipulated location,” he lamented. He added that persons are deliberately defying the terms of the repatriation agreement and making it difficult for persons who are waiting to return home.

The safety of every Guyanese is dependent on the compliance with control measures, which were implemented by local health authorities to contain the spread of the disease.
Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) is still the epicentre of the disease, and there are a number of communities outside of Georgetown which have recorded cases. The Cuyuni-Mazaruni region, notably Aranka, has the second highest number of confirmed cases. It is a mining community, which means that there is continuous movement in and out of the area, making it extremely easy for the disease to spread.

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

REGION ONE IS EPICENTRE
There is, however, a worrying development in Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini), where over 20 cases have been recorded in a short space of time. This has prompted health authorities to label the community as the epicentre for Region One.

Considering the situation, Dr. Persaud said residents of the community need to “be on guard” and take all necessary precautions in order to prevent further spread of the disease.
“We are urging you to support the health team in this area by coming forward for testing if you have been in contact with anyone who has tested positive, by staying home unless it is necessary for you to come out, and if you must come out ensure that your noses and mouths are covered.

“We ask that there is no congregating of persons, and that all passenger vehicles adhere to the guidelines that were provided,” the CMO advised.

The Ministry of Public Health has called on toshaos and village councillors to work along with health officials to ensure that guidelines are followed.

“We wish to also remind you of the runaway situation in neighbouring Brazil that has climbed to the position of being the second country in the world to have reported cases with an alarmingly high number of deaths registered,” said Dr. Persaud.

EXTREMELY VULNERABLE
“Residents in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are extremely vulnerable because of this situation, and need to be vigilant and stop all cross-border movement and stop migrant persons entering your community.

“The mining community is now one of the most vulnerable groups for the spread of this disease…Residents in Region Seven, I wish to make a special appeal to you as the situation in your community is of grave concern to the ministry,” Dr. Persaud lamented.

COVID-19 remains a serious issue not just here in Guyana, but globally as well, and according to global statistics, there are 8.9 million cases of COVID-19, with over 469,000 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.