EVEN as the fight against the COVID-19 virus continues, the number of COVID-19 related deaths has increased to 355 after four new deaths were recorded on Saturday.
The ministry of Health disclosed that the latest fatalities are three males and one female; an 80-year-old male from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), and a 35-year-old male from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), who both died on May 20; an 83-year-old male and one 59-year-old female, both from Region Three (Essequibo Islands – West Demerara), who both died on May 21.

They all died while receiving attention from a medical facility.
Meanwhile, there are currently 1,955 active COVID-19 cases in Guyana, following the addition of 111 new cases as at May 22, 2021. Even as new cases were recorded, 165 persons were reported to have recovered from the virus, bringing the total number of recoveries to 13,710.

The 111 newly confirmed cases were recorded in nine of the 10 administrative regions, excluding Region Eight. Fifty-nine of the newly confirmed cases were females with the remaining 52 being males.

Region Four accounted for 62 of the new cases. Regions One, Two and Nine recorded one new case each; Region Three recorded 13 new cases; Regions Five and Seven recorded four new cases each; and Region Six recorded nine new cases; while Region 10 recorded 16 new cases.

It was reported that the 111 new cases were recorded from a total of 1,052 tests. The country has now recorded a total of 16,014 confirmed cases since the first COVID-19 case was reported in March 2020.

Nineteen persons are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
Currently, there are 117 persons in institutional isolation; 1,813 are in home isolation and six are in institutional quarantine. Many of the persons infected with the virus are said to be asymptomatic, that is, they are not exhibiting symptoms.

The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures are in force from May 1, 2021, until May 31, 2021. They may be extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions of the pandemic.

As per the current measures, however, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes. Physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are also important. The current curfew time is 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.