With more testing being done for the novel coronavirus, new positive cases are being detected. On Friday, health authorities recorded another 18 cases, which raised the total number to 649
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony
This was revealed by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, who noted that the deaths remain at 22.
From the 649 confirmed cases, 104 are active in institutional isolation while six persons are in the designated Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
The number of persons in institutional quarantine is 73 while the remainder are in approved home isolation.
A total of 104 persons have also recovered in one day, which added to a total of 306. To date, a total of 5809 persons have been tested for coronavirus in Guyana, with 5160 returning negative.
From Monday to Friday this week, 79 new cases were reported. These originated from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Riversview in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
The CMO brought awareness to the role of youths during the current scenario. This is in light of World Youth Day and the challenges facing the younger population as they adapt to the new setting.
“We know this pandemic has challenged the lives of our children, adolescents and even adults. We are forced to adopt new norms such as physical distancing, wearing a mask in public and all the other measures including any restrictions. Celebrating Youth Day helps us to promote the benefits young people brings to the world,” Dr Persaud said.
Curfew extended
Meanwhile, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Friday announced that the Government would be extending the COVID-19 Emergency Measures until August 31. The last extension was supposed to expire today, August 15.
These emergency measures are made pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2)(b) of the Direction by the President, given under the Public Health Ordinance, Cap 145, and published in the Gazette, Legal Supplement – B, 16th March 2020.
The emergency measures will expire on the said date unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Public Health after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions.
“The Government of Guyana has made a rapid assessment of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has found that it was fragmented, and incapable of administering the public health, economic and social measures needed to keep the population safe,” the new Minister lamented.
Under his leadership, the recently-appointed Administration has now initiated a complete overhaul of the current public health response. Government has looked at the approach used in other territories, especially in the Caribbean, and has resolved that a multi-sector and multi-faceted approach has been the most successful model, with an aggressive policy of detection, contact tracing and if positive, isolation.
“Over the last week, the Government of Guyana engaged various sectors to developed clear guidelines on epidemiological, social and economic conditions to keep people safe, and put measures in place to support business and households. These current regulations would be extended for a limited period, to allow for further assessments and consultations as we develop updated protocols, leading to the eventual and systemic opening up of the economy,” Dr Anthony said.
