– 11 persons in COVID-19 ICU

By Navendra Seoraj
THERE continues to be a consistent increase in the number of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, with the country recording 44 cases in just 24 hours.
The steady rise has caused panic across the country, but authorities have said that cases are being detected because more tests are being done. Sample taking was also increased across the country because authorities had believed that many cases were going “under the radar.”

This suspicion had 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 of Health, Frank Anthony in a recent report.

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.
Health authorities have so far tested 6,760 persons, with 5,835 being negative and 925 positive. Of the total positive cases, 426 persons have recovered and 31 persons have lost their lives, but there are 468 active cases which are being monitored by authorities.
Authorities have said that 383 of those cases are in home isolation, while 74 are in institutional isolation and 11 persons are being treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

THREAT TO EVERYONE
It is clear that COVID-19 remains a threat to everyone in all areas of Guyana, but within the last few days, there have been lots of concerns about testing and laboratory confirmation of COVID-19.

“I would like to assure members of the public that the test conducted by the Ministry of Health is the WHO-recommended molecular PCR test for the coronavirus. There are also available antibody rapid test which may indicate that someone was exposed to the virus but is not recommended to diagnose the infection,” said Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud in a recent report.

He advised persons to desist from comparing these two distinctly different methods of testing, since the rapid antibody test is not approved to diagnose active COVID-19 cases, and only the molecular PCR can credibly identify infected persons.

The CMO encouraged persons to adhere to the safety guidelines as outlined in the COVID-19 emergency measures.
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 emergency 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.

According to the World Health Organisation (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. There are, however, vulnerable groups such as persons with underlying conditions and elderly patients, who may develop the severe forms of the disease.