— Gov’t suspects increased testing for COVID-19 will reveal the ‘real’ situation

By Navendra Seoraj
THERE continues to be a steady rise in the number of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, and even though the situation is grim, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony believes that cases have been going “under the radar.”

Many persons have tested positive for the disease in recent times, but a large number of those persons were asymptomatic, meaning they did not show symptoms of the disease.

This discovery has since prompted authorities to distribute more sample kits across the country, especially to regions where the infection rate is high. Most of the cases have so far been recorded in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
“We are sending out more kits, so there will be an increase in sample collection…the testing itself has components…one is sample collection and then there is the processing of samples,” said Minister Anthony in an invited comment, on Thursday.

The actual testing will be done centrally, at the National Reference Laboratory because regional facilities lack the capacity and technical skills needed to get it done.
While government hopes to improve capacity in those regions, the immediate need for sample testing takes precedence, especially with the high number of asymptomatic cases.

“We will be doing it in hotspot regions, but we will also do it in regions which have not shown any cases because we suspect that it is because we are not testing in those regions, it is showing zero.

“Technical people believe once we start testing in those regions or giving people an option to come in and get tested, we might see there are positive cases,” said Minister Anthony.

Health authorities have so far tested 5,638 persons, with 5,007 being negative and 631 positive. Every administrative region expect Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), has recorded at least one case of COVID-19.

Of the positive cases, 202 persons have recovered and 22 persons have lost their lives. The remaining 420 active cases are being monitored by health authorities.
With there being no immediate end in sight to the COVID-19 pandemic, persons have been advised to take the necessary precautions, follow the guidelines of the health ministry and wear masks in public, and adhere to social distancing guidelines.

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 responsible 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,” Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud had 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, observe all the measures, wear a mask in public, maintain physical distance and practise good hygiene for a safer and healthier Guyana,” the CMO advised.

COVID-19 remains a serious issue not just here in Guyana, but globally as well, and according to global statistics, there are 20.1 million cases of COVID-19, with over 737,000 deaths. And, with no approved treatment or cure, there is no assurance that persons will survive after contracting the disease.