THERE continues to be a consistent rise in the number of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, with the country recording seven new cases within the past 24 hours.
Health authorities have so far tested 3,603 persons, with 3,276 being negative and 327 testing positive. Of the positive cases, 163 persons have recovered and 19 persons have died, but there are 145 active cases which are being monitored by authorities. Five of the active cases 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. Guyanese need to be wary of their actions because the country is yet to contain the spread of the virus.

Phase three of government’s phased reopening exercise kicked in on Saturday, but Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Boyle had urged Guyanese to remain cautious and be responsible in their conduct because the country is still battling the pandemic.

Among some of the amended measures, which were announced on Thursday, is the reduction of time for the national curfew, which is now 20:00 hours to 6:00 hours. 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 18:00 hours, 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.

“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 13.6 million cases of COVID-19, with over 585,000 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.