Another 15 new COVID-19 cases were recorded as of Friday, which moved Guyana’s total statistics to 230. Alarmingly, all of the new cases were detected in Region One (Barima-Waini) – a new hotspot for the novel coronavirus.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud shared these figures during the daily briefing, where he confirmed that deaths remain at 12. Guyana Times understands that the new infections were all from one family.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud
Within 24 hours, 68 tests were conducted and 15 returned positive. The previous day, six cases were confirmed. This means that in just two days, Guyana saw an upsurge of 21 coronavirus cases.
At present, a total of 109 persons have recovered while there are
109 active cases in institutional isolation, 16 persons in institutional quarantine and one patient in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit. Health authorities have conducted 2423 tests with 2193 of those being negative.
The CMO recognised the work of frontline workers in Regions One (Barima-Waini) and Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) – both of which have witnessed a surge in positive cases.
He added, “Our workers are continuing to put themselves at risk to ensure that we can detect this disease early and isolate those persons who are sick so that we can contain this pandemic.”
He called on the residents of Moruca and those of mining communities in Region Seven to heed the warnings broadcasted to them from the Ministry. Dr Persaud reminded that the disease is easily transmitted when you are in close contact with someone who is positive.
“We have indicated that a large number of positive cases in both of these regions have no signs and symptoms, so they are what we call asymptomatic. These persons can transmit this disease and you will not even know that they are sick because there is no sign to tell you this. I continue to urge you to wear a mask and observe the physical distance guidelines provided.”
Meanwhile, Toshaos and Village Councillors were reminded of their role during the pandemic to ensure that villagers abide by measures intended to protect them.
He said to the village leaders, “We need you to impress upon your villagers and workers the importance of what we are saying. All of the evidence points to the fact that if the guidelines are followed, the disease will be contained.”
For examination students and school activities, the CMO clarified that parents have to adopt the new rules when sending their children to school. On July 1 and 2, students will be writing the National Grade Six Assessment exam.
“Parents, you cannot enter the compound with your child, that they will be sitting at some distance away from each other and that during the breaks they will not be allowed to congregate with their friends. Over the weekend, please support and encourage as you prepare them mentally for the two days of exams,” he suggested.
According to the World Health Organisation, the total number of cases is 9,296,202 with 479,133 deaths. In the region of the Americas, the number of cases is 4,604,134 with 230,165 deaths.
