The Health Ministry on Tuesday reported that another 10 persons who tested positive for COVID-19 have succumbed, thus taking the death toll to 1148.
These fatalities include an 80-year-old female from Region Three who died on January 21. Later, on January 22, a 73-year-old woman from Region Two died. The fatalities on January 23 included three males: a 45-year-old from Region Six; a 64-year-old from Region Four and a 65-year-old from Region Six.
On January 24, four deaths were recorded. These are two women – aged 76 and 95 from Region Four; a 62-year-old male from Region Five and a 62-year-old woman from Region Seven. The latest death was recorded on January 25; a 67-year-old from Region Four.
However, new statistics released by the Health Ministry showed that a total of 372 new infections were detected in one day, taking confirmed cases to 57,772 – 26,712 males and 31,060 females.
There are 163 patients in institutional isolation, 12,682 in home isolation, and 11 in institutional quarantine. Some 43,759 persons have recovered while 495,766 tests have been conducted. Active cases stand at 12,765.
Of the 133 persons in hospitals across the country, 91 are being treated at the Infectious Diseases Hospital. This also includes 20 in the Intensive Care Unit.
In his public briefing on Tuesday, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said a majority of severe COVID-19 cases in the system are unvaccinated against the life-threatening virus.
“One of the things we have noticed is that persons who are now coming in with a severe form of COVID disease, most of them did not take their vaccines. That is unfortunate because a lot of these patients also have comorbidities. It is important for people to understand that while the vaccinations might not prevent the transmission of COVID infections or SARS-COV-2, what it does is helping to prevent the more severe form of the disease,” he highlighted.
In the 60 and older group, he indicated that many are suffering from comorbidities or underlying conditions which increases their risks after contraction.
All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures, which are in effect until January 31, 2022. This order emphasises the need for everyone, 12 years and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19; 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 needs any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy
