157 new COVID infections, 1 death detected in 24h

The Health Ministry reported on Thursday that a total of 157 new COVID-19 infections were reported, along with one death within a 24-hour period.
The Ministry announced the latest fatality as an unvaccinated 69-year-old male from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), who died on December 30, thus taking the overall death toll to 1052.
Of the positive cases, 18,586 are males, and 20,809 are females. This means there are 39,395 confirmed cases of the virus. However, new statistics provided by the Ministry have shown that seven persons are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 30 are in institutional isolation, 711 are in home isolation, and five are in institutional quarantine. In addition, the Ministry has stated that 37,595 persons have recovered from the deadly virus.
To date, 422,927 tests were conducted. A breakdown of new infections shows that one was reported in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); 12 in Region Three (Essequibo Island-West Demerara); 86 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); three in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); 26 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), three in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and six in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
No new cases were detected in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
The Ministry has reported that 410,825 adults, or 80.1 per cent of that demographic, have received a first dose of the vaccine, while 294,842 persons, or 57.5 per cent of that demographic, have received a second dose of the vaccine. For the 12-to-17 age cohort, 30,317 persons, or 41.6 per cent of that demographic, have been immunised with a first dose. Of this number, 21,652 persons, or 29.7 per cent of that demographic, have received a second dose.
Meanwhile, 11,496 booster doses have been administered.
“We have seen more people coming out for boosters, but other than that, it’s pretty much the same…Those persons who are eligible, we want them to come out, because I think it is important for people to be boosted at this time,” Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony appealed on Thursday.
A person immunised with Sputnik V can take the Johnson and Johnson vaccine as their booster dose. Meanwhile, those with Pfizer and Sinopharm are required to take the same vaccines respectively. Since Moderna booster shots are unavailable, Pfizer doses can work. For the AstraZeneca-immunised subset, a recommended Pfizer shot can also be taken. These shots are to be taken six months after. Persons completely immunised with Johnson and Johnson vaccines can get the same vaccine as a booster dose two months after.
Since protection from the virus is shown to wane after some time, it is important to take the booster doses in order to restore immunity. This is especially important for persons with comorbidities, who stand a greater chance of developing a severe form of the virus.
Comorbid conditions include cancer, cerebrovascular diseases, chronic kidney diseases, chronic lung diseases, chronic liver diseases, diabetes, Down Syndrome, heart conditions, HIV, mental health disorders, neurological conditions, obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell anaemia, tuberculosis, solid organ transplant patients, smokers, or those with substance use disorder.
All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (NO.24), which are in effect until December 31, 2021. This order emphasises the need for everyone 12 years and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19; 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 to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline: 231-1166, 226-7480, or 624-6674 immediately, or visit us at www.health.gov.gy