THE novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has claimed the life of a pensioner within the past 24 hours, taking the death toll to 138.
The Ministry of Health has identified the recent victim as being a 61-year-old male from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). Authorities said he died while receiving treatment at a local health facility.

The ministry expressed sincerest 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 also contacted all relatives and persons to facilitate contact tracing and rapid assistance to everyone who might have been exposed to the victim.
There continues to be an increase of COVID-19 cases, locally, with 44 persons testing positive within the past 24 hours.

Of the total 4,662 cases, 3,616 persons have recovered. This means that approximately 78 per cent of the cases have recovered thus far. Since March, 23,552 tests have been conducted across the 10 regions of Guyana.

There are 11 persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 56 persons in institutional quarantine, 29 persons in institutional isolation and 839 in home isolation.
Considering the continuous rise in cases, persons are being urged to follow the established guidelines and adhere to the existing control measures.
The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures (No. Eight) will expire on November 30, 2020, unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice from the Minister of 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. Physical 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.