By Navendra Seoraj

AUGUST has been the deadliest month in the fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), with 20 persons losing their lives within this time.
The most recent victims were identified as an 89-year-old man from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and a 47-year-old woman from Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). Both persons were reported to have died while receiving treatment on Monday.
Authorities have since confirmed that they are in contact with the family and relatives of all the victims to facilitate contact tracing and rapid assistance to everyone who may have been exposed.
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.

But the COVID-19 disease has proven to be a “real killer”, especially in cases involving persons who have co-morbidities. This was according to doctors of the GPHC.
At that time, Guyana had recorded six deaths due to the COVID-19 disease and, while the loss of life is never pleasant, doctors had said most of the persons who died had co-morbidities.

In medicine, comorbidity is defined as the presence of one or more additional conditions co-occurring with a primary condition; in the countable sense of the term, comorbidity is each additional condition.
The WHO had said that 81 per cent of persons, who contract COVID-19, will have mild symptoms, while 14 per cent will have severe symptoms and five per cent will need intensive care.
Guyana has so far recorded 1,234 cases of COVID-19, but 687 of those persons have since recovered while 41 persons have lost their lives. Of the remaining cases, 87 persons are in institutional isolation and 411 are in home isolation, while 13 persons are being treated in the COVID-19 ICU.
As cases continue to climb, authorities have asked persons to observe the COVID-19 emergency measures, which are still in effect. This order emphasises the need to always use a facemask correctly and consistently when leaving home, practice physical distancing, and observe good hygiene to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
If you do have symptoms of COVID-19 or any concerns that you may need information, please contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 or visit the Ministry of Health at www.health.gov.gy.