-Region One overtakes Region Four as region with most active cases
-Survey finds that fear of contracting COVID-19 dropped to 53.5%

GUYANA continues to record a consistent rise in the number of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, with the latest statistics showing that health authorities found two new cases after testing several persons, on Thursday.

Health authorities have so far tested 3,087 persons, and the results of those tests showed 2,801 persons were negative and 286 were positive. Of the positive cases, 125 persons have recovered and 16 persons have died, but authorities are still monitoring 145 active cases, of which six are being treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Majority of those active cases are from Region One (Barima-Waini), said Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Boyle, during a virtual COVID-19 update, on Thursday.

According to Dr. Boyle, 69 per cent/approximately 100 of the active cases are from Region One, a hinterland region found at the tip of the map of Guyana. This region has overtaken Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), as the region with the most active cases.

It was reported that, according to the existing statistics, Regions One, Four and Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) continue to have most of the cases. Dr. Boyle had said Regions One and Seven, in particular, have recorded a rapid increase in the number of cases recorded.

“I am pleading with you, to stop and spare a thought, not only for your safety, but that of your family, neighbours and residents in the communities,” said the DCMO.
She advised persons to co-operate with the compliance division of the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Civil Defence Commission, the army and the police, who will be working collaboratively with the Ministry of Public Health to contain the spread of this deadly disease in hinterland communities. “We are calling on all the residents to cooperate with the health officials as we work to contain the spread of the disease in your communities,” she advised.

Health authorities have found that a large number of positive cases, in these regions, have no signs and symptoms, so they are asymptomatic. These persons can transmit this disease and the infected persons will not even know that they are sick because there is no sign.

In that case, Toshaos and village councillors, operations owners all have a role to play in this pandemic. Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, had also called on them to impress upon villagers and workers the importance of what is being said. All of the evidence points to the fact that if the guidelines are followed, the disease will be contained.

DROP IN FEAR
Despite the prevailing conditions and situation, a nationwide survey conducted by the Ministry of Public Health and The United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF), found that fear of becoming infected by COVID-19 has decreased from 81.6 per cent to 53.6 per cent, in four weeks.
Dr. Boyle, in citing information from the survey, said 30 per cent of the respondents reported that they were unwilling to give up their daily practice and adhere to guidelines provided. But, on a brighter note, over 70 per cent of the respondents indicated that they wear a mask when being out in public.
Additionally, 58 per cent of the respondents indicated that they observe the “six feet” social distancing guideline and 76 per cent said they wash or sanitise their hands frequently.

“The information indicates that most persons are aware of what is needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, therefore it begs this question: what is preventing you from acting on your knowledge?” she asked. Her conclusion is that the reduction in fear suggests that there may be fatigue when it comes to the public’s response to the messages concerning COVID-19. It is, however, important that persons understand that, despite the six per cent death rate, there is no prediction as to who will have a fatal case or a mild one.

“Thirty per cent of you are unwilling to give up your freedoms in order to adhere to the guidelines that could save your life. At the same time, 70 per cent of us have made the sacrifice for ourselves and fellow man. Guys, get with the programme!! Where is your regard for the lives of others?” she asked. The majority of the respondents are indeed observing the protocols and so it is just for the few “stragglers” to join the bandwagon.

As the popular saying goes, “prevention is better than cure” and it is still applicable, and, more so, in the case of COVID-19 where there is no cure and the virus is mutating.

“We continue to witness the misuse of the facemask and wish to advise that wearing your mask only because it is a requirement to enter some public spaces is not the principal reason for its inclusion in our guidelines,” said Dr. Boyle, adding that the mask is needed for protection.

Masks help to prevent tiny droplets from infecting persons and those around them. Further, it does not work in isolation; it must be supported with practising physical distancing and handwashing. Health authorities have been doing their part to fight the disease, and this includes screening and testing for the disease, especially in endemic regions

“As you traverse our dear land, you will encounter many checkpoints, especially at the locations considered as the entrance to the regions and some communities, so please use them. We wish to thank the healthcare workers and volunteers who show up every day to complete this activity recognising the risk but demonstrating courage and understanding that they are needed under these circumstances,” Dr. Boyle advised.

COVID-19 remains a serious issue not just here in Guyana, but globally as well, and, according to global statistics, there are 11.6 million cases of COVID-19, with over 539,000 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.