GUYANA continues to record a consistent rise in the number of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, with recent statistics showing that the country recorded 66 new cases within the past 24 hours.

Health authorities have so far tested 11,913 persons, with 9,745 being negative and 2,168 positive. Of the positive cases, 1,331 persons have recovered and 64 persons have lost their lives. The remaining cases include 82 persons in institutional isolation, 675 in home isolation and 15 in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
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 contracted 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 others.
Persons were encouraged to take extra precautions 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 Emergency numbers – 231 1166, 226 7480 or 624 6674 immediately – or visit the ministry’s website at www.health.gov.gy.