160 more persons test positive for COVID-19

Another 160 persons on Thursday tested positive for COVID-19. Now, the total confirmed cases are at 62,061 – 28,600 males and 33,461 females.
The Health Ministry’s dashboard showed that deaths have remained at 1188.
There are 17 patients in the Intensive Care Unit, 89 in institutional isolation and 3038 in home isolation. Another 23 persons are being monitored in institutional quarantine.
Guyana has conducted 522,229 tests thus far, of which 57,729 positive patients have recovered.
A breakdown showed 13 new cases for Region One (Barima-Waini), 11 cases in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), eight in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 53 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), seven in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), 14 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), five in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), one in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and 48 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
Cases in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) remained unchanged.
In Thursday’s COVID-19 briefing, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony explained that the Ministry of Health is recording vaccination hesitancy in some interior locations. He stated that they will continue to send more teams to these locations.
“There is a lot of vaccine hesitancy and despite going in several times and offering education, it still remains a concern and a problem because people are not taking the vaccine. It’s not a matter of access. The vaccines are available but because of misinformation, I think we’re having that challenge. This year, we have allocated enough monies to continue these campaigns where we will be sending out teams to do vaccination in various communities across the interior,” the Health Minister highlighted.
In Guyana, 427,680 or 83.4 per cent of the adult population have received a first COVID-19 dose while 320,221 or 62.4 per cent have returned for their second jab. Some 44,282 booster shots have been administered.
All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures, which are in effect until February 28, 2022. 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 needs any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy
Around the world, some 395 million people have been infected, with over 5.7 million reported deaths. In the Americas, cases have surpassed 139 million with 2.5 million deaths. (G12)