GIVEN the increase in COVID-19 cases in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), all applications for weddings and other large gatherings, regardless of the purpose, will now have to be made to the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF).

This is according to Region Three Coordinator for the COVID-19 Task Force, Halim Khan, who has said that, previously, some permission and consideration came from the regional body.

Emphasising that there are many active cases in the region, he said the community of Tuschen has been identified as a hotspot.
He noted that, as of Tuesday, records show that 108 persons from Region Three have succumbed to COVID-19 and, as of September 27, there are a total of 1,133 active cases.

Samples taken from ten persons who had died while being treated for COVID-19 like symptoms, subsequently confirmed that they were positive for the deadly virus, Khan said.

September 2021 is now the deadliest month since the first COVID-19 case and death were recorded in Guyana in March 2020. The month of September also saw some of the highest infection numbers which have resulted in healthcare facilities becoming overwhelmed.

As of September 26, some 354, 676 persons had received the first dose of a COVID vaccine, representing 69.1 percent of Guyana’s adult population. Of this number, 184, 072 persons or 35.9 per cent of the adult population have also received a second dose. Over 131 persons who have tested positive for the virus are being treated at a medical facility.

According to Khan, statistics from the region indicate that daily screening for COVID-19 is being done at the Leguan Hospital and health outposts, Wakenaam Hospital and health posts, the Leonora Hospital and the West Demerara Regional Hospital.
He urged all Guyanese to act responsibly and to take all precautions to safeguard their life.

“Unless people take the precautions and stop taking this for granted, we will not see a decrease in the numbers, and more persons will fall sick while many will die. Many persons feel that it cannot happen to them, that is the same mindset that have the numbers going up,” Khan told this publication.

He continued: “Because of the Delta surge, we are going to see an increase in cases. Thousands of tests were conducted at private and public institutions last week and the cases are steadily rising.”

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency measures (No.21), which are in effect until September 30, 2021. This order emphasises: the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your 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.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674.