THE Ministry of Health has reported that two more persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have died, now taking the death toll to 553. Two women, aged 56 and 62, who lived in Region Five are the country’s latest COVID-19 related deaths. Both patients died while receiving medical care at a facility. As of Thursday, 84 new cases were recorded from 1,236 tests, taking the overall number of confirmed cases to 22,789. New infections were recorded in Region Three (25 cases), Region Four (40 cases), Region Five (one case), Region Six (seven cases), Region Seven (two cases), Region Nine (six cases) and Region 10 (three cases). Some 13 patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, 89 patients are in institutional isolation, 661 are isolated at home and three persons are in institutional quarantine. All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which are in effect until August 31, 2021. This order emphasises the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home; the importance of maintaining the six-feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand-hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.