TWO persons have succumbed to the dreaded novel coronavirus (COVID-19) within the past 24 hours, taking the death toll to 109.
Local authorities identified the victims as being a 48-year-old male from Region One (Barima-Waini) and a 71-year-old female from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).
The Minister of Health expressed condolences to the families of these victims and pledged to make every effort to provide all the necessary support during this difficult time.

Health authorities have so far tested 16,561 persons, with 12,889 being negative and 3,672 positive. Some 52 of those positive cases were recorded within the past 24 hours alone.
Of the total positive cases, 2,590 persons have recovered and 109 have lost their lives. The remaining cases include 112 persons in institutional isolation, 850 in home isolation and 13 in the COVID-19 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 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 Emergency numbers: 231 1166, 226 7480 or 624 6674 immediately, or visit the ministry’s website at www.health.gov.gy.