-DCMO urges Guyanese, as relaxation of control measures kicks in

PHASE three of government’s phased reopening exercise will kick in today, but Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Boyle has urged Guyanese to remain cautious and be responsible in their conduct because the country is still battling the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“As you are aware, friends, from tomorrow (today), a further relaxation of measures is due to take effect and the ministry wishes to remind you that restrictions on social activities remain in place as well as the social and physical distancing protocols,” said Dr. Boyle, during a virtual COVID-19 update, on Friday.

Among some of the amended measures, which were announced on Thursday, is the reduction of time for the national curfew, which is now 20:00hrs to 6:00hrs. Government has also cleared the way for public sector employees to return to work, on rotation.
And, while there is a restriction on indoor and buffet dining, outdoor dining, up to 6:00hrs, will be permitted. “I know that many of us will want to take full advantage of these new measures, but please do not throw caution to the wind and behave as if the situation is back to normal. Do not forget that COVID-19 is still a highly infectious disease, that there will be asymptomatic persons around us from whom we may become infected. Do not take unnecessary risks and leave home without your mask and fail to observe the physical distancing protocol,” Dr. Boyle advised.
Guyanese need to be wary of their actions because the country is yet to contain the spread of the virus. And, Just Friday, the country recorded five new cases of the disease.

Dr. Boyle said the cases were found following 75 COVID-19 tests. Health authorities have so far tested 3,558 persons, with 3,238 being negative and 320 testing positive for the disease.
The country has, however, lost 19 of the persons who tested positive for the disease. And, while the loss of life is never pleasant, the country has much to be grateful for, as 156 – over 50 per cent of the infected persons – have recovered.
“This is an encouraging trend for the recovery rate in Guyana and we at the ministry also wish to see a similar decline in our number of cases; so our plea for the upcoming weekend is for all of us to adhere to the guidelines outlined for our safety,” said Dr. Boyle.
As it is now, health authorities are still monitoring 145 active cases, of which 137 are in institutional isolation and five persons are being treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Considering these figures, 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 minimise, 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 13.3 million cases of COVID-19, with over 580,000 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.