Guyana has recorded 12 new positive COVID-19 cases within one day – all of which were detected in Region One (Barima-Waini). Of the 12 new cases, six are teachers, this newspaper has confirmed.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud
Chief Medical Officer Dr Shamdeo Persaud, giving a breakdown of the country’s statistics on Thursday, announced that there are now 183 cases, with 12 deaths.
These 12 new cases were confirmed after 42 samples were sent for testing. On Tuesday there were 12 positive cases, followed by none on Wednesday.
“All the new positive cases for today are from Region One, which showed a 100 per cent increase in their number of positive cases,” the CMO highlighted.
Meanwhile, out of 2048 tests done so far, 1865 were returned negative. There are 102 recoveries to date, with 69 active cases in institutional isolation and 24 cases in institutional quarantine. From all positive cases, the gender ratio is 52 per cent male and 48 per cent female.
Dr Persaud also provided the regional breakdown, showing that Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) has 56 per cent of the cases, followed by Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) with 16 per cent, and Region One with 13 per cent.
The three regions represent 85 per cent of all the COVID-19 cases, while the other five regions have 15 per cent of the cases. The age groups with the most cases are the 20-29, 30-39 and 40-49.
Dr Persaud pointed out that many Caribbean countries have seen a decline in positive cases, resulting in the relaxation of COVID-19 measures – which were instituted to protect the population.
“If you are following the updates in the Caribbean and the rest of the world, you are aware by now that some of the countries that managed to stop transmission have begun to report the emergence of new cases; a clear indication, in most instances, that persons have returned to the practices of life before COVID-19, with the relaxation of some measures instead of maintaining the practices that we must adapt in embracing living with COVID-19.”
However, he said it is the opposite in Guyana, and a decision to reduce the national restrictions has resulted in a proliferation of confirmed cases. According to the CMO, a behavioral change is needed for persons within the 20-29 age group.
“Within a few hours, Guyana will begin the process of relaxing some measures, and the experiences of countries that have embarked upon this before us must be taken into consideration. We must use their lessons as a guide. Worthy of note is the recognition that Guyana’s cases have never stopped climbing. We need you to understand that you are much more vulnerable than those countries that were able to reduce their cases,” he explained.
Dr Persaud shared that the conduct of many persons is still ‘out of order’. With 24 cases being recorded in just a few days, he again urged persons – especially those in the hinterland communities – to adhere to the guidelines and curfew measures.
“We continue to plead with our residents in the hinterland communities to act responsibly. Your health, as well as that of your family, is at great risk; for studies have shown that for every person that is positive, approximately three persons will be infected by that individual. We ask that you seek medical attention immediately, so that the essential care and treatment you need can be provided,” the health official advised.
He added, “Fellow Guyanese, the Ministry of Public Health continues to implore you to take stock of your actions. Our numbers indicate very clearly that our behaviour is still ‘out of order’. We are in COVID times, and so it requires COVID behaviour- adjustment: handwashing, wearing a mask, and practising physical distancing.”
Globally, the total number of cases is 8,061,550, with deaths being 440,290. In the Region of the Americas, the total number of positive cases is 3,899,859, with deaths being 205,555.
