SIX more persons, including a seven-month-old infant, have died after contracting the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), taking Guyana’s overall death toll to 887 as of October 21, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has reported.

According to a MoH press release, the patients were admitted with symptoms presented as COVID-19, but died while receiving care at medical institutions. “Samples were taken at the time of admission, which subsequently returned positive tests.”

The ministry said that the fatalities are three males, including a 64-year-old of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), who died on October 08; a seven-month-old infant of Region One (Barima-Waini), who died on October 17; and a 42-year-old of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), who died on October 20.

The remaining fatalities were three females, a 68-year-old of Region Four, who died on October 20; a 46-year-old of Region Six, who also died on October 20; and a 35-year-old of Region Four, who died on October 21.

All six persons were unvaccinated. It should be noted, however, that vaccines are not yet applicable to infants.

The Health Ministry has expressed its sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased, and noted that every effort will be made to provide all necessary support during their time of need.

The Ministry of Health, in its release, has called on the public to allow the families of the deceased their privacy.

It also made no bones about calling for persons here to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No.22), which are in effect until October 31, 2021. A national curfew remains in effect every night between 22:30 hrs and 04:00 hrs.

In its release, the Health Ministry emphasised to the public “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.”

A total of 74 new cases were recorded. The country has now recorded a total of 34,800 COVID-19 cases with a total of 30,372 recovered cases.

Persons displaying symptoms associated with COVID-19 or in need of additional information are urged to contact the COVID-19 hotlines on 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 or visit the Ministry of Health’s website www.health.gov.gy.