By Navendra Seoraj
THE novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has claimed the lives of two more Guyanese within the past 24 hours, taking the death toll to 91.
Among the recent victims, was Mark King, a 55-year-old retired nurse, who spent 31 years delivering care at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
Management of GPHC said King was well loved by his peers and patients, and was greatly respected for his tireless dedication to helping others.
He last served in GPHC’s Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department before proceeding on retirement in July, 2020.

“The management, staff and nursing fraternity of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation is incredibly saddened by the passing of nurse Mark King. We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to his relatives, friends and loved ones at this time,” said the hospital’s administration.

Authorities also reported the death of a 38-year-old male from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). The Guyana Chronicle understands that both King and the other male died while receiving treatment in GPHC’s COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The Ministry of Health 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 victims.
“As we continue to be confronted with the gravity of COVID-19, we wish to remind persons to adhere to the public health guidelines for the protection of themselves and their loved ones; wear a mask, practise hand hygiene and physical distancing,” said authorities.

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.
In Guyana, health authorities have so far tested 15,078 persons, with 11,552 proving negative, and 3,188 positive.
While 1,972 persons have recovered from this disease, 91 persons have died and there are 1,107 active cases which include 137 persons in institutional isolation, 975 in home isolation, and 14 in the COVID-19 ICU.

Considering these numbers, 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.