AN unvaccinated woman, on Sunday, became the first COVID-19 related death for 2022, taking Guyana’s overall death toll to 1,055, the Ministry of Health has reported.

The ministry said that the latest fatality is a 79-year-old unvaccinated woman from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Additionally, there are currently 1,317 active COVID-19 cases in Guyana, following the addition of 281 new cases on January 2, 2022.

Region Two recorded six cases; Region Three, 21; Region Four, 189; Region Five, 10; Region Six, 49; Region Seven, one; Region Nine, three and Region 10, one case.

The country has now recorded a total of 40,060 confirmed cases since the first COVID-19 case was reported in March 2020.

Of the active cases, five persons are at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal; 41 are in institutional isolation; 1,297 are in home isolation, and four 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 until January 31, 2022. 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, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes, and physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are recommended. The current curfew is 12:00hrs to 04:00hrs.
Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166; 226-7480; or 180/181 for assistance.