With the death of three more persons as a result of the life-threatening COVID-19, Guyana’s death toll has reached a startling 492.
On Saturday, the Health Ministry revealed that the latest fatalities are a 67-year-old man from Region Four who died on July 9; a 60-year-old man from Region Six and a 102-year-old woman, also from Region Four, who died on July 8.
Previously on Friday, two individuals from Region Five, a 36-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman were among the fatalities reported after they died on July 8. A 75-year-old man from Region Four also died on July 7.
On Thursday, a 47-year-old from Region Four and 68-year-old from Region Six succumbed to the disease. In the past 10 days into July, 16 deaths have been reported. 
In one day, a total of 90 new positives emerged after 1469 persons were swabbed for the virus. This has taken the confirmed cases in Guyana to 20,924.
Active cases are now at 1434: 12 seeking treatment in the Intensive Care Unit, 85 in institutional isolation and 1337 in home isolation. Some 15 persons are in institutional quarantine. In total, 18,998 persons recovered completely. Since the pandemic started, 200,230 individuals were tested – of which 10,215 males and 10,709 females were positive.
An analysis showed 10 new cases in Region One (Barima-Waini), eight in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), eight in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 29 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), five in Region Five (Demerara-Mahaica), six in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), eight in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 14 in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
Cases in Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) remain at 1270 and 380 after no new cases surfaced.
This past week, the Health Ministry made a move to offer COVID-19 jabs for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) patients at care and treatment centres in the future, in order to make them more comfortable.
There were hesitations from HIV patients in taking their vaccines from the common vaccination sites. Amid this concern, the National Care and Treatment Centre in Georgetown was considered for a vaccination site. Other treatment sites across the country would soon be opened to offering the vaccines.
Latest figures show that over 237,000 persons in the adult population have taken their first doses; and more than 118,000 are fully immunised.
Persons are encouraged to get immunised with both doses of the vaccines, since it is proven to protect against death, the more severe form of the virus, and the new deadly variants of concern that are circulating. Since the vaccination campaign started, no one who is fully vaccinated has been hospitalised or died from the virus.
Nevertheless, as more people continue to get vaccinated, authorities are urging the public to continue observing all COVID-19 preventative measures, particularly masking in public, social distancing and frequent hand washing and sanitising. The measures also include a 22:30h (10:30 pm) to 04:00h (4 am) national curfew that is in effect until July 31, 2021.
If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.
