THERE have been 40 new COVID-19 cases recorded from 330 tests, according to the Ministry of Health’s dashboard, which was released on Sunday afternoon.

These 40 new cases take the total number of confirmed cases in Guyana to 5,133. Of that number, there have been 4,019 recoveries, which means that there is a recovery rate of approximately 73.3 per cent.

There was one additional death recorded in Siparuta, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Sunday, taking the total number of lives lost to 144. But the Ministry of Health is yet to officially confirm the death, and so it was not reflected in Sunday’s dashboard.

Additionally, there are seven persons in COVID-ICU, two more than the day before. The new cases were recorded from 21 men and 19 women; they were recorded in Regions One (Barima-Waini), nine cases; Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), four cases; Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), five cases; Four (Demerara-Mahaica), 14 cases; Six, one case; Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), three cases; Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), one case; and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), three cases.

Currently, there are 78 persons in institutional isolation, 886 in home isolation, and 57 in institutional quarantine.

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 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.