– 30 new cases recorded

THE local death toll for the COVID-19 pandemic has risen to 128, after two additional deaths were recorded as of Monday, while 30 new positive cases were recorded, taking the total number of positive cases to 4,238.

According to the Ministry of Health, the latest fatalities are a 74-year-old female from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and a 57-year-old man from Region One (Barima-Waini). Both persons died while receiving care at a medical facility.

Of the 30 new cases that have been recorded, 18 are men while 12 are women. Geographically, these cases were recorded in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) one; Four (25); Five (Mahaica-Berbice) two; and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) two.
Of the 4,238 positive cases, 3,264 persons have recovered thus far. A total of 20,067 tests have been conducted. There are nine individuals currently in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU); 66 persons in institutional quarantine; and 771 persons in home isolation.

The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures (No. Eight) will expire on November 30, 2020, unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Public Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions of the pandemic.
As per these measures, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes. Physically distancing and adequate sanitisation are also important. The curfew is now 22:30 hours to 04:00 hours.

Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166, 226-7480 or 180/181 for assistance.
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.

There are, however, vulnerable groups such as persons with underlying conditions and elderly patients, who may develop the severe forms of the disease.