The Health Ministry recorded a startling 177 new infections from the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Saturday, after 1570 persons were swabbed for the virus.
With this increase, the confirmed cases have jumped to 24,224 while deaths have remained at 591. Within the past week, there have been 663 new cases.
New statistics via the daily dashboard showed a gender distribution of 11,759 males and 12,465 females contracting the virus – 22,318 of which have recovered.
Some 15 persons are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU); with 103 in institutional isolation and 1197 in home isolation – a total of 1315 active cases. Another five persons are in institutional quarantine.
New cases
From the breakdown of infections, three new cases were detected in Region One (Barima-Waini), three in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 23 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 91 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), four in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), five in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), seven in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 28 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and nine in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
Cases in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) remained the same, after no new cases surfaced.
Globally, there have been over 209 million reported cases of the virus with more than 4.4 million deaths. In the Americas, cases have surpassed 81 million with two million deaths.
More vaccines soon
In the latest coronavirus briefing, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony assured that more Sputnik V second doses will arrive soon to vaccinate persons in waiting.
“We have been having some challenges in getting enough second doses but we’re getting supplies on a weekly basis and as soon as we get it, we announce it so people can come forward and get their second dose vaccine,” he said.
Private school students – whose parents have agreed for them to be vaccinated – will follow the same protocols as those established for the public system. This means consent forms will be sent to guardians for their approval of the Pfizer shots.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand was quoted as saying, “For this exercise, we are treating private schools the same way we are treating public schools. They have the consent forms. We will go to those schools and offer the vaccine there too if it is requested.”
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.
Vaccination numbers stand at 298,248 persons or 58.1 per cent receiving first doses and of this number, second doses are at 152,997 or 29.8 per cent of the adult population.
If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, contact the COVID-19 Hotline 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. (G12)
