– Regions 7 & 9 the new ‘hotspots’

EVEN as the authorities continue to intensify efforts across the country to combat the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, there seems to be no end in sight, as cases have been climbing consistently, with recent statistics showing that seven new cases were recorded within the past 24 hours.
Authorities found those cases after conducting 62 tests between Monday and Tuesday. Some 4,478 persons have been tested so far, with 4,082 proving negative and 396 positive.

Unfortunately, the country has lost 20 persons to this disease, but while the loss of life is never pleasant, there is much to be grateful for, as 181 persons have recovered so far.

The reality, however, remains that the country has 195 active cases, with four of those persons being treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud says persons need to take note of the existing situation, especially in the hinterland regions where cases continue to rise daily.

“Of the seven new cases today, six cases are coming from Arau in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and one case from the city,” said Dr. Persaud during a virtual COVID-19 update on Tuesday.

The country, in the early days of the pandemic, had grown accustomed to Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) being the epicentre for the disease, but this has since changed, and Regions Seven and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are now the “hotspots” for the disease.

“The majority are coming from Region Seven, and yesterday (Monday) all the new cases (19) were reported in Region Nine,” said the CMO.
Region Nine shares a wide border with Brazil, where COVID-19 is rampant. Globally, Brazil ranks second for the most cases of COVID-19 after the United States of America, and has reported a total of 2, 455, 905 cases, with 88,017 deaths.

A member of the Amerindian People’s Association (APA), Ron James, had said communities in Region Nine are struggling because resources are limited.
“Some persons are fearful; some of the villages are underprepared for this pandemic… We are calling on health authorities to see if more assistance can be brought to those communities in a timely manner,” James said during a press briefing on Monday.

The APA representative also called for the authorities to “ramp up” testing for COVID-19 in Region Nine and other hinterland areas.

DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE

Dr. Persaud, in his update on Tuesday, sought to reassure the residents of Region Nine and the nation by extension that the Ministry of Public Health is doing everything possible to keep Guyanese safe.

“Residents, the ministry continues to plead with you to adhere to the health guidelines, and to intensify your community action. Village councillors, gate keepers and prominent members of the communities, your role is to work collectively to ensure compliance with the regulations if you wish to keep down the transmission of the disease,” said the CMO.

He advised against cross-border movement, and urged that residents report migrants who enter their communities.
Dr. Persaud further advised persons to stay at home and only leave if there is an urgent need, and to wear a mask in public. Persons were also encouraged to practise social distancing, avoid gatherings of more than 10 persons, and sanitise properly.

Noting that preventative measures are important because there is still no cure or vaccine available for this disease, Dr Persaud said:
“So you have to live with this for a few more months, or for as long as the disease persists. Therefore you have to ensure that these practices become part of your routine.”
Considering the prevalence of the disease, Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO) Dr. Karen Boyle had also 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 16.1 million cases of COVID-19, with over 646,000 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.