— CMO calls on persons to be responsible, get tested if they show symptoms

By Navendra Seoraj

GUYANA has seen a consistent rise in the number of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases over the past two months, and while the burden of the pandemic remains direct and indirect, the country survived 24 hours without a new case.

This is a welcome change in the daily statistics, especially after the country would have recorded 64 new cases over the period, August 7 to 10. Those cases came from Regions Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica).
Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, in presenting the COVID-19 update on Monday, said Guyana has recorded 568 cases to date. But, of those cases, 189 persons have recovered and 22 persons have lost their lives.

He confirmed that the remaining 357 active cases are being monitored by health authorities. Four of those persons are being treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), while the others are in institutional isolation.

“Guyanese, I urge to you to come forward and get tested if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or if you have been contact with someone suspected of the disease,” said Dr. Persaud.

Further, persons who have concerns about their status regarding COVID-19 are asked to make contact with testing sites, for an evaluation. Being tested means you know your status and gives you the ability to seek the necessary treatment and further prevent the spread of this detrimental disease.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

Most people who fall sick with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover without special treatment.
“So fellow Guyanese, let us act wisely and be responsibly as we start another exciting week. We can continue to do all the things we need to do safely and in a way that does

not compromise public health in Guyana,” Dr. Persaud advised.

He reminded persons that COVID-19 is in Guyana and will not go away by denial or ignorance. It is real, said the CMO, noting that it is evidenced by the many persons who died and the agony and sadness of their families and friends.

The control measures in place are often hard to cope with, but considering the prevailing circumstances, persons must be cautious and vigilant, as they continue to do their part in the fight against COVID-19.
“We are stronger together. So, stay vigilant, observer all the measure, wear a mask in public, maintain physical distance and practice good hygiene for a safer and healthier Guyana,” the CMO advised.

Guyana Chronicle had reported that Guyana’s economy, like many others around the world, has taken a hit because of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially at the household level, where jobs were lost, income dried up and, in some cases, hunger crept in.
The conditions were exacerbated further because of the political instability caused by a protracted electoral process, which only ended last Sunday.

HIT THE GROUND RUNNING
But, the new administration has “hit the ground running” and, according to newly-elected President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, his government is working to secure $4.5B as emergency response to help at the household level.

“We have reached out to several multilateral and bilateral sources with a view to urgently mobilise financial resources of the magnitude that is necessary to overcome the effects of this pandemic. I must say the response has been encouraging,” said Dr. Ali during his address at the inauguration ceremony, on Saturday.

To further ease the strain on persons, government had met with the Governor of the Central Bank and directed him to extend regulatory permission so as to allow for bankers to continue extending moratoriums.

Government has also looked at the possibility of adjusting the “reserve requirement” which will allow the banks to have more disposable resources and tie that adjustment with lower interest rates.
“We have started to examine, from a fiscal perspective, what support we can give to the private sector and other groups all with the view of supporting a resumption of the economic activities and putting people back to work.

“Every life in our nation matters and my Government will ensure that every life is protected from harm. The COVID-19 pandemic has already claimed too many lives. Everything possible must be done to protect our people from this dreaded and dreadful disease,” said President Ali.
That is why, as President, he promised to personally and urgently participate in his government’s programme to stop infection by the coronavirus, curb its spread, and safeguard the health of Guyana.

After completing a rapid assessment, the President already started to establish a structure to tackle the virus as effectively as possible.
Part of the structure includes the creation of a COVID-19 Response Unit comprising Government policymakers, represented by the Prime Minister and the Minister of

Health, and regional and international partners such as CARICOM, Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), and UNDP.

The Unit, he said, will be guided by a collaborative policy to address medical responses and to create a COVID-19 impact socio-economic plan for Guyanese.
COVID-19 remains a serious issue not just here in Guyana, but globally as well, and according to global statistics, there are 19.4 million cases of COVID-19, with over 772,000 deaths. And, with no approved treatment or cure, there is no assurance that persons will survive after contracting the disease.