GUYANA has lost yet another life to the dreaded novel coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the death toll to 68.
Authorities of the Ministry of Health confirmed that the latest victim was a 74-year-old woman from Region One (Barima-Waini). She died while receiving treatment at a local health facility.

The ministry expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and pledged to make 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 victim.

Health authorities have so far tested 12,454 persons, with 10,017 being negative, and 2,437 positive. Some 35 of those cases were recorded within the past 24 hours.
Of the total positive cases, 1,361 persons have recovered, and 68 have lost their lives. The remaining cases include 163 persons in institutional isolation, 830 in home isolation, and 16 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 the 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 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.