By Francis Quamina Farrier
MY first written focus on the COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana was in a feature article right here in the Chronicle Pepperpot Magazine in July 2020. The number of global deaths attributed to the pandemic at that time was 985,000, and just about 20 here in Guyana. Over two years, the global death figure from the COVID-19 virus has risen to a staggering 5.633 million, with many in developed countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and other European countries. For example, most of the developing countries in Latin and South America, as well as in Africa and Asia, have lower incidents of COVID-19 deaths, compared to their individual populations. In fact, only South Africa, Egypt and Morocco in Africa are experiencing high incidents of COVID-19 deaths. All the other African countries have lower incidents of COVID-19 deaths. In my original article, it was pointed out that New Zealand was keeping the virus at bay by observing all protocols. The number of deaths at that time was just 25 and after two years it has increased to only 52.

For many months after the coronavirus began spreading across Europe and Asia like a wildfire with a strong breeze fanning it on, the Guyana COVID-19 figure was in single digits. However, in recent weeks the figure has risen to 1,140 and counting. That increasing number is not because the Ministry of Health and Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony himself have not been doing the most in their power to inform and exhort the Guyanese people regarding the dos and don’ts and the protocols for their safety. People need to do what it takes to protect themselves from contracting the virus, and that includes taking the vaccine. While the message is getting through to the majority, there are still those who are not heeding the pleas of the health authorities.

Admittedly, there is a high percentage of Guyanese who are doing the right things and the country still remains among the group of countries that are keeping the coronavirus relatively under control, despite those citizens who are obviously not listening and certainly not doing what they should to keep themselves safe. Just too many persons can be observed moving around in public spaces such as markets and stores without wearing masks. Others also ride on the minibuses without wearing masks for protection. While the global figure of COVID-19 deaths is increasing rapidly, it would be safe to say that Guyana is not in that race.

One of the disappointing facts about the effort to contain the coronavirus in Guyana is that there are quite a number of individuals who refuse to get vaccinated They claim that it is their body, and they have the right to refuse the vaccination. While that is absolutely true, such persons should consider that they live in a civilised society in which there are rules and regulations for the smooth running of the country with laws, rules and regulations, and it is expected that the citizens will obey them for the “happiness and prosperity of Guyana.” It is all about Guyanese recognising that we are all in Guyana as citizens of a “Magnificent Province,” where there is free medical service provided by the Health Ministry, that we should reject it. The vaccines that protect against COVID-19 are available free of cost, and as such, all Guyanese should make themselves available and take the “damn” [sic] vaccine. It will save lives; there is proof that the vaccine has saved thousands of lives within the Caribbean, including Guyanese lives.