By: Indrawattie Natram

DESPITE the small number of cases, a COVID-19 isolation facility was built in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and its door will soon be opened to the public.
Regional Health Officer, Dr. Ranjeev Singh made this disclosure during an interview with the media on Wednesday at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) office.He informed that construction of the $12M state-of-the-art facility in the Suddie Public Hospital compound is complete and its doors is expected to be opened shortly. Dr. Singh emphasised the importance of the facility which he said will significantly boost the delivery of COVID-19 services at the hospital. The facility can accommodate 40 patients and will provide staff members with the opportunity to monitor positive cases.

Previously, the hospital was not equipped with sufficient space to house COVID-19 patients which resulted in some persons being placed on home quarantine. It was not guaranteed that these persons were adhering to the home quarantine rules. With the completion of the facility, closer monitoring will become possible. The facility will be outfitted with the requisite staff inclusive of a nurse, maid and a doctor. It will be equipped with an upgraded ventilator and oxygen to treat critical patients. The Essequibo Chambers of Commerce has already donated 10 mattresses to the facility. Meanwhile, Dr. Singh told reporters that the region continues to record a low number of positive cases. He attributed this to the strict measures that were complimented by the region’s COVID-19 Task Force. During the last few months, there has been a significant increase in testing done in the region. A mobile unit was established to target students and residents traveling from various hotpot communities.

Dr. Singh explained that on a daily basis the mobile unit conducts close to 200 tests. Many of those who test positive are asymptomatic and do not require hospitalisation.To date the region has recorded 206 cases, 17 of which are active. Four deaths were also recorded. Seven students are among those who tested positive and they are currently in institutional quarantine. Additionally, Dr. Singh said the region has not recorded any re-infected patient. However close monitoring is done when someone is declared positive and contact tracing is done. “Once discharged, the task of that patient is to ensure that he or she continues to be safe and continue to wear their mask, COVID-19 is serious and re-infection is possible but can be avoided once you wear your mask properly and sanitise,” Dr. Singh said. The region’s COVID-19 Task Force continues to sensitise persons through various mediums, including television and social media. The surveillance team is currently conducting testing in various areas.