141 more test positive for COVID-19

– death toll now stands at 588 with 1 more fatality

With the death of one other person as a result of the life-threatening COVID-19, Guyana’s death toll now stands at a startling 588.
On Thursday, the Health Ministry reported that the latest fatality is a 34-year-old male from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), who died while receiving care at a medical facility.
However, in one day, a total of 141 new positives has emerged, taking the confirmed cases in Guyana to 23,936. There are 15 seeking treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 92 in institutional isolation, 1048 in home isolation and two in institutional quarantine. In total, 22,193 persons have recovered completely.
Since onset of the pandemic, 249,959 individuals have been tested, of which 111,627 males and 112,309 females were positive.
An analysis showed one new case in Region One (Barima-Waini); 18 in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); 25 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 75 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); two in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); four in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); one in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and five in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
There were no new cases in Regions Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Pfizer shots
Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Thursday stated that Guyana will be in receipt of the Pfizer vaccines in time for the reopening of schools, which is scheduled for September.
The Pfizer vaccines will be used to immunise children from the age of 12 in Guyana, so as to facilitate classroom activities in a safe setting.
“We are working with the Ministry of Education. We have sent out letters to parents. Once those consent forms come back to us, we have already started preparing where we are going to start the exercise,” the Minister updated.
In addition, Education Minister Priya Manickchand clarified that even if Government is willing to buy Pfizer shots, it is not easily accessible. As such, parents should allow their children to take the vaccines – which were made possible through a donation from the United States Government.
Adding some more facts about the vaccines, Manickchand shared, “For many universities [and] institutions across the world, students will not be accepted unless vaccinated. Indeed, it will be that many countries will not even allow students to enter, unless vaccinated. It will have an expiry date, and there will be only so much. So don’t delay deciding whether you are giving consent for your child to be vaccinated. Make the decision, because the time is upon you when that decision needs to be made. if you delay making a decision and you think you can make it later on, you may well find vaccines are not available.”
In Guyana, 296,059 persons, or 57.7 per cent of the population, have each received a first dose. For second doses, the figures stand at 152,433 or 29.7 per cent.

NIS closure
The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) notified on Thursday that due to COVID-19, a decision has been taken to temporarily close its Local Office at Melanie, East Coast Demerara. This closure has already taken effect. The office would resume services as per normal on Monday, August 23. In the meantime, testing of staff for the virus would be conducted, along with sanitisation of the building and compound.
If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, contact the COVID-19 Hotlines: 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately, or visit www.health.gov.gy.
All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which emphasise 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.