-Six persons recover, control measures extended in hinterland regions

GUYANA continues to record a consistent increase in the number of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, and the past 24 hours was no different, as the country recorded two new cases within that time.

Health authorities found those cases after testing 65 persons between Wednesday and Thursday. Some 3,483 persons have been tested for COVID-19, with 3,168 of those persons being negative and 315 testing positive.

Of the positive cases, 162 persons have recovered and 19 persons have died, but authorities are still monitoring 134 active cases, of which five are being treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

“Fellow Guyanese, I wish to emphasise the ministry’s (Ministry of Public Health) deep concern about the increase in cases even as we appreciate the upward trend of our recoveries. As we have been pleading through our briefs, it is imperative for all of us to adhere to the guidelines outlined for our safety,” said Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Boyle, during a virtual COVID-19 update, on Thursday.

In a breakdown of cases, she said Region One (Barima-Waini) recorded 95 cases; Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), one case; Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 26 cases; Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), 119 cases; Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), zero; Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), six; Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 48; Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), three; Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), 11; and Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), 10 cases.
Recent statistics have, however, shown that Regions One and Seven are the new areas of target for the Ministry of Public Health, since most of the new cases are coming from communities in those regions.

Dr. Boyle said there is great need for further interventions in those regions, especially if the spread of the disease is to be curtailed.
“Friends, we cannot allow the exponential increase in cases to continue and overwhelm our health workers. I am therefore relying on all, residents, Toshaos, whistleblowers, to respond positively and help us to reach those contacts that may be experiencing any COVID-19 related signs or symptoms or may have been in proximity with a COVID-19 case,” said the DCMO.

In Region Seven, health authorities have been able to establish an isolation centre; conduct 273 tests; and increase staff morale at health facilities, among other things.
Further, she encouraged persons to reduce their movement in and out of these regions and remain vigilant, concerning undocumented migrants from Brazil and Venezuela who may not have been quarantined. The COVID-19 pandemic in these bordering countries is still rampant.

The Ministry of Public Health reminded persons that COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease, which causes damage to one’s body, even after recovery.
“Please remember that the highest rate of infection in Guyana is in the 21-60 age group representing 70 per cent of all infections and you all need to minimize, as best as possible, your exposure to COVID-19,” said Dr. Boyle.

COVID-19 remains a serious issue not just here in Guyana, but globally as well, and according to global statistics, there are 13.1 million cases of COVID-19, with over 574,000 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.