–death toll climbs to 65

GUYANA continues to record a consistent rise in the number of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, with recent statistics showing that the country recorded 101 new cases within the past 24 hours.
Health authorities have so far tested 12,092 persons, with 9,823 being negative, and 2,269 positive. Of the positive cases, 1,339 persons have recovered, and 65 have lost their lives. The remaining cases include 83 persons in institutional isolation, 767 in home isolation, and 16 in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The latest victim of COVID-19 was identified as a 51-year-old man from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). Authorities said the man died while receiving care at a local medical facility.

Authorities have expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, and promised to make every effort to provide all the necessary support during this difficult time.
Officials of the Ministry of Health have also confirmed that they contacted all relatives and persons to facilitate contact tracing and rapid assistance to everyone who might have been exposed to the victim.

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 the 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 other ailments.

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.