— says he’s asymptomatic

CHAIRMAN of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Gerry Gouveia, has tested positive for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), and has since gone into self-isolation.
Gouveia has committed to isolating himself for the next seven days, as he is asymptomatic- symptom-free.

“In preparation for my travel to Barbados for the funeral of the late former Prime Minster, the RT. Hon. Owen Arthur, I undertook, as required, to take a COVID-19 PCR test. Unfortunately, the test has returned a positive result,” said the PSC chairman in a post on his Facebook page, on Thursday.
Gouveia, who is the Barbados’ Honorary Consul in Guyana, regretted that he would not be able to attend the funeral, but assured that he will observe all the required protocols, including two COVID-19 tests after the isolation period is over.

“I have already advised many of those with whom I have been in contact in recent days, to get tested as well,” said the PSC chairman.
Gouveia had recently attended a “breakfast meeting” hosted by President Irfaan Ali, at State House.
Just Wednesday, President Ali had advised members of his Cabinet to work remotely, after Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, tested positive for COVID-19.

Guyana, like many countries around the world, has been challenged by both the direct and indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but President Ali had committed to keeping Guyanese informed about the fight against this scourge.

“We are dealing with a global pandemic and I assured all Guyanese that there will be transparency, accountability and openness in the way your government works for you,” said President Ali during a virtual message, on Wednesday.

To this end, the president said Minister Todd came into contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19, and subsequently found out he was positive, after being tested for the disease.

Minister Todd, since being sworn in last week, has attended Cabinet meetings and was even part of a meeting among President Ali; the President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi and other government officials.

“I have since advised him (Minister Todd) to inform all individuals whom he came into contact with and to work with the minister of health to facilitate contact tracing and possible testing,” said President Ali.

Further, the president has advised Cabinet members to undergo a COVID-19 test, as a precautionary measure. Ministers have also been advised to work remotely until they receive the results of their tests.

Guyana has so far recorded 623 confirmed cases of COVID-19, but 191 of those persons have since recovered and 22 persons have lost their lives. The remaining 412 active cases are being monitored by health authorities.

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.