THE novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has claimed the lives of two more persons, taking the death toll to 60.
Authorities said the latest victims were two women, 63 years old and 80 years old respectively, both from Region One (Barima-Waini), a region which has so far recorded 286 cases of COVID-19.

According to authorities, both persons were admitted to a local health facility and were tested after showing signs of the disease. They subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 but despite receiving medical care, both patients succumbed.

The Ministry of Health expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, and committed to making every effort to provide all the necessary support during this difficult time.

Officials of the ministry have since contacted all relatives and persons to facilitate contact tracing and rapid assistance to everyone who might have been exposed to the victims.

Guyana has so far recorded 1,984 cases of COVID-19 with 26 of those cases being recorded in the past 24 hours. But 1,302 persons have since recovered, while 60 persons have lost their lives. Of the remaining cases, 52 persons are in institutional isolation and 555 are in home isolation, while 16 persons are being treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The emergence of asymptomatic cases 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).

Increased sample-taking had resulted in a backlog which authorities sought to alleviate by sending 500 samples to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). The results of some of those samples have already been received, and the country has sent an additional 138 samples for testing, said Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony.
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.

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.

But the COVID-19 disease has proven to be a “real killer”, especially in cases involving persons who have co-morbidities such as diabetes and hypertension, among other things.

Persons were encouraged to take extra precaution because there is no approved cure or specific treatment for the disease. Guyanese were also reminded to observe the protocols established in the COVID-19 emergency measures.

Anyone, who displays any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, can contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231 1166, 226 7480 or 624 6674 immediately, or visit the ministry’s website at www.health.gov.gy.