…no new deaths
Infections from COVID-19 continue to climb steeply in Guyana, with another 1186 new cases detected on Thursday.
From the positive cases, 22,419 are males while 22,772 are females. This means there are 48,191 confirmed cases from the virus, while the country’s death toll remained at 1075 within the one day.
An updated dashboard shows 13 persons in the Intensive Care Unit, 121 in institutional isolation, 8413 in home isolation, and eight in institutional quarantine. On the other hand, there are 38,569 recovered cases. To date, 459,539 tests have been conducted. 
A breakdown of new infections shows 21 in Region One (Barima-Waini), 19 in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 107 in Region Three (Essequibo Island-West Demerara), 501 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), 67 in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), 142 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), 38 in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), six in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), 76 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 221 in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
Active COVID cases are dispersed across with country, with 90 in Region One, 201 in Region Two, 1004 in Region Three, 5378 in Region Four, 245 in Region Five, 639 in Region Six, 266 in Region Seven, 18 in Region Eight, 300 in Region Nine and 539 in Region 10.
Genomic sequencing
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony informed on Thursday that Guyana would be sending samples for genomic sequencing. This is amid the surge in cases, suspected with the presence of the new Omicron variant that is said to be highly transmissible.
He pointed out, “We have selected the samples. We’re now in the process where the agencies are making the arrangements for the shipping. As soon as those arrangements are concluded, we will be able to send the samples.”
In the meantime, Dr Anthony emphasised that persons should continue to wear the masks and practice other measures to keep themselves safe. Workplaces, he added, should also enforce such guidelines for the safety of their employees.
“I think all workplaces need to adopt rules that make the workplaces safer. Those rules would include employees who are on the job to wear a mask, especially an N95 or surgical or procedural mask. If you do that consistently, then the environment is going to be much safer. If you are working in an indoor environment, it ought to be ventilated. People need to keep social distancing and, of course, we want to make sure that people are fully vaccinated. If they got both doses and eligible for the booster, they should get the booster.”
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 need any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline: 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately, or visit us at www.health.gov.gy (G12)
