– one case recorded in 24 hours

EVEN as Guyana continues to grapple with the dire effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and rising cases, all hope is not lost, as there continues to be positive signs in the area of recovery, with 11 persons recovering in the past 24 hours.
Recovered cases refer to persons who were affected with the disease and who now have been cleared with two negative results 24 hours apart and with no signs and symptoms of the virus.

It was reported that persons, who recover from COVID-19, are no longer infectious, meaning they cannot spread the disease, but they can, however, be re-infected.
Despite the positive development, the fact remains that Guyana continues to record a consistent increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, with the latest statistics showing that one new case was recorded following 56 tests, in the past 24 hours.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Boyle, said health authorities have so far tested 3,975 persons, with 3,624 being negative and 351 testing positive for the disease.

Of the positive cases, 176 persons have recovered and 19 persons have lost their lives, but authorities are still monitoring 156 active cases. And, two of those active cases are being treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The existing situation is enough to encourage Guyanese to take more precaution and be responsible in their daily conduct, said Dr. Boyle, noting that employers in particular need to be strict with enforcing safety measures in the workplace.
With public sector employees “back on the job,” the DCMO said employers need to create measures and systems to ensure that employees remain safe while at work.
In her advice to employers, Dr. Boyle said: “Employers should rearrange office space to facilitate six-foot distancing…reduce in-person meetings to barest essentials (technology such as Zoom can be used to conduct meetings).
“Discourage employee congregation at (water dispensers, coffee station, dining room and rest rooms) lunch period/breaks should be staggered and staff where possible can be encouraged to have lunch at their desks.”

Employees also have a role to play, and this includes using private transportation whenever possible. She believes employers could also aid in this area by facilitating transportation of employees to and from work, in order to reduce the probability of exposure when using public transportation.
“All entrances to public and private workplaces should have screening and hygiene blocks. Screening will entail taking temperatures with the laser thermometer; hygiene blocks should comprise sinks with running water and liquid soap or hand sanitising stations.
“Workplaces must decide on their policies regarding persons with elevated temperatures…referral for further investigation or returning home and seeking further medical advice,” said Dr. Boyle.

While most of the commercial and public sector operations are conducted in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), other regions need to be cautious as well.
“Even though the numbers in Region Four are higher, you are on average 9.5 times more likely to be infected in Region One than in Region Four and you are seven times more likely to get infected in Region Seven than in Region Four,” said Dr. Boyle, during a virtual COVID-19 update, on Tuesday.
The reason for the high likelihood of infection in those regions is the fact that the concentration of infections by population, is far higher than in Region Four.
So, while government has relaxed some of the control measures, Dr. Boyle said restrictions, such as the initial curfew of 18:00hrs to 6:00hrs, still applies to Regions One and Seven.

In addition to those regions, the DCMO said Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) is also “under the radar,” as cases have been rising consistently there, over the past two weeks.

Considering the prevalence of the disease, Dr. Boyle, in advising persons, said: “I plead with you not to tire of wearing your mask, washing your hands and staying six feet apart. These simple activities are the key to protecting ourselves and others.”
She reminded persons that a collective effort is needed in order for Guyana not to be overwhelmed by the highly-infectious coronavirus disease.
COVID-19 remains a serious issue not just here in Guyana, but globally as well, and according to global statistics, there are 14.7 million cases of COVID-19, with over 612,000 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.