15 new cases of COVID-19 recorded

– death toll remains at 78 with 1179 active cases

With the detection of 15 new cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Guyana’s total number of positives has risen to 2787 while the death toll remains at 78.
The Health Ministry’s dashboard shows that the total confirmed cases comprise of 1474 males and 1313 females.
Statistics showed that three persons were removed from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), which now stands at nine. In addition, the Ministry stated that there are 231 persons in institutional isolation and 83 patents in institutional quarantine.
There are 861 persons on home isolation – a reduction of 29. Another 44 persons have made complete recoveries, raising the recovery rate to 1564.
A breakdown of the positives showed that five new cases were detected in Region One (Barima-Waini), one in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), one in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and eight in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
Figures remained the same in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), standing at 207, 1267, 41, 286, 354 and 97 respectively.
During the budget estimates, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony disclosed that COVID-19 samples will be sent to the United States of America, as part of an arrangement to expanding the country’s testing capabilities. As such, by early October, they are aiming to process 1000 samples per day.
While external agencies are assisting with testing, the National Public Health Reference Laboratory has significantly increased its capacity. It was recently announced that they’re also in talks with the Brazilian Government to send samples from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) for efficient processing.
“We have now since worked out an arrangement with the United States so that we can send samples to the United States. We are in the process of working out an arrangement so that our samples from Region Nine can go across to Brazil…In terms of testing in the public health sector we are going to, by early October, be able to process more than 1000 samples per day and that’s in the public sector,” the Minister had informed.
After talks with private stakeholders, Eureka Laboratory has also invested in equipment to process another 1000 samples per day. Meanwhile, the St Joseph’s Mercy Hospital is also in the process of purchasing a PCR machine to offer testing.
The Public Health Ministry continues to urge all Guyanese to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 9) which are in effect until September 30, 2020. This order emphasises, among other things, the need for correct and consistent use of face masks when leaving 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.
Persons displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or in need of any additional information are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy