125 COVID-19 cases now recorded in Guyana

Guyana’s COVID-19 cases have reached the 125 mark, with the inclusion of a new case on Tuesday.
Director of Primary Health Care Services, Dr Ertenisa Hamilton in her update highlighted that some 51 tests were done in one day, to which this one showed positive results. The day before, there was an increase of seven cases.
“Today [Tuesday], sad to say we are reporting yet another case bringing the number of positive cases to 125. I am quite sure that you, like me, are worried about our numbers which keep climbing,” she stated.
As of Tuesday, 1269 COVID-19 tests were conducted and from those who tested positive, there were 46 recoveries. Dr Hamilton pointed out that these persons can be re-infected if they do not follow the outlined measures.

“Recovered cases refer to persons who were affected with the disease and who now have been cleared with two negative results 24 hours apart and with no signs and symptoms of the virus. These individuals can no longer infect others, however, they can be re-infected if they do not take precautions,” she highlighted.
Nevertheless, there are 69 active cases in institutional isolation and three patients in the COVID-19 ICU while deaths remain at 10.
The Director appealed to citizens, “I appeal to you that even as we applaud the untiring efforts of these faithful workers, that we think of our actions that are contributing to the rise in our numbers. Unless we change our behaviours, not only will our numbers increase, but our return to normalcy, our fellowship, our social gatherings, our hang on the seawall will be unnecessarily long and stressful.”

Globally, there are 4,618,821 cases of the virus with 311,847 deaths. In the Region of the Americas, the total number of cases is 2,017,811 with 121,609 deaths.

Blood donation needed
Chief Medical Technologist at the National Blood Transfusion Service, Nataline Seepersaud also zeroed in on the importance of donating blood in the time of a pandemic.
“Since blood has a limited shelf life, the need for blood always exists. The need for blood donations from voluntary donors will remain throughout the pandemic to continually replenish the blood supply and ensure the availability for our patients in need,” Seepersaud detailed.
She cited that at this time, the National Blood Transfusion Service faces a critical situation where blood drives are being cancelled. However, there is still a need to fill across the health sector.
“It is important to emphasise that the need for blood remains essential during the pandemic as countless patients across the nation will continue to rely on blood donors to help provide a lifesaving component for sickle cell patients, thalassemia patients and patients who require major surgeries and high-risk pregnant mothers.”
According to her, there are measures in place to protect the safety of donors and staffers at the blood bank.
“Measures are in place at the blood bank and blood collection sites that are designed to provide the highest level of safety and infection control. In addition, blood collection sites throughout the country are taking extra precautions to help ensure the safety of both blood donors and staff which include implementing social distancing practices between donors, furniture, and equipment; and increasing the frequency of sanitising for all surfaces, equipment and common areas,” the CMT assured.
The National Blood Transfusion Service is located at Lamaha and East Streets in the Georgetown Public Hospital compound with other collection sites at Suddie Regional Hospital in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); West Demerara Regional Hospital in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); New Amsterdam Regional Hospital in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); Lethem Regional Hospital in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and Linden Hospital Complex in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).