1808 persons tested for COVID-19 to date

– active cases remain at 62 with 2 in ICU

As of June 7, 2020, the Public Health Ministry has confirmed that a total of 1808 persons have been tested for COVID-19. Of the total, 1654 persons tested negative while 154 tested positive.
In a statement from the Ministry on Sunday, it stated that 80 of the 154 have recovered while there are 62 active cases. So far, there have been 12 deaths.
Two patients are presently in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 14 persons are in institutional quarantine. It was reported that for the past week, only one new case was recorded but citizens are asked to continue practicing social distancing in the workplace, public spaces, and while using public transportation.
This, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) will reduce the spread of the coronavirus disease. Persons are also reminded to practice frequent hand washing/sanitising and always wear a face mask if they have to go out.
Throughout the past week, residents of Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) were reminded to desist from crossing the borders as COVID-19 continues to affect Brazil, Suriname and Venezuela.
“We wish to remind the residents of Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine to desist from crossing the borders as COVID-19 continues to strike viciously and take lives in Brazil. Let us continue to pray for guidance and protection for health workers worldwide and especially our frontline workers who are heroically waging the war against COVID-19,” Director of Primary Healthcare Services, Dr Ertinesa Hamilton had urged on Tuesday.
In Brazil, authorities are battling with over 500,000 cases and more than 30,000 deaths. Crossing the borders can bring more cases into the country, some of which might go undetected.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Gordon-Boyle on Friday stated that residents of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) are at an increased vulnerability to the virus, given increased cases in Venezuela. Village leaders were asked to refuse any permission to enter their communities from persons who crossed the borders.
“We are calling on the Toshaos and other authorities to ensure that residents do not cross borders and that persons from those other countries are not entering your community. Community members must report any migrant entering your community and anyone who has signs and symptoms, and immediately bring this to the attention of the health authorities,” Dr Gordon-Boyle stated.
Persons experiencing the signs and symptoms associated with the disease are asked to contact the hotline or the closest health facility to access the necessary services. The same is being asked of persons who have been in contact with a positive case.
On the other hand, the WHO has reported as of June 7, 2020, the number of confirmed cases has increased to 6,799,713 with 397,388 deaths, globally.
In the region of the Americas, positive cases have reached a total of 3,234,875 with 179,394 deaths.