GUYANA has recorded 12 new cases of COVID-19 over the past 24-hour testing period, while three more persons have recovered from the disease, and one more person has come out of the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit. This is according to the latest statistics as declared by the Ministry of Public Health on Wednesday, August 5.
The latest additions bring the country’s total number of cases to 509, and were discovered following the testing of 82 more persons, bringing the total number of persons who have been tested to 5057.
Of that number, the results of 4548 came back negative. The number of COVID-related deaths is still 22, while there is now only one person in the COVID-19 ICU, whereas just the day before there were two.
There are currently 298 active cases of the virus, all of whom are in institutional isolation, while another 38 persons are in institutional quarantine.
On Tuesday, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud urged persons to be wary of the prevailing situation, especially in the hinterland communities where the virus has been spreading like “wildfire”.
The 12 cases reported on Wednesday followed 23 cases having been reported the previous day.
Of the 23 new cases reported on Tuesday, all of the recent cases were from hinterland regions, with eight originating in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); four in Region Eight (Potaro Siparuni); and 11 in the villages of Aranaputa and Annai in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
Amidst the rise in cases, health authorities are looking to “tighten” control measures in order to prevent the further transmission of the raging coronavirus disease.
Cautioning residents of hinterland communities about taking foolish risks, Dr. Persaud said, “I plead with you to halt the illicit cross-border movement; look out for the migrants and report their presence immediately to the Authorities. On a personal level, I ask you to cooperate and comply with the regulations of social distancing and the hygiene etiquette,” Dr. Persaud said, adding: “Fellow Guyanese, I know that you have been following closely these daily briefs, and that you are aware that our cases continue to climb, especially in the hotspot areas of Regions Seven and Nine.”
He encouraged persons to cooperate and comply with all regulations of social distancing, hygiene etiquette and wearing of the mask in public, and made a special plea to young persons, urging them not to delay, but seek medical assistance at the earliest.
“Fellow Guyanese, our irresponsible actions impinge greatly on our health workers whom we need to protect at all costs. They have families just like us; they want to enjoy life too; they deserve this, but they are making the sacrifice to protect all of us,” said the CMO.
