2 COVID-19 deaths, 52 new cases recorded

Two more persons have died as a result of COVID-19, raising the country’s death toll to a whopping 109.
This was announced by the Health Ministry on Friday, which stated that the latest fatalities are a 48-year-old male from Region One (Barima-Waini) and a 71-year-old female from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). They both died while receiving care at a specialised medical facility.
“The MOH expresses sincerest condolences to the families of the two deceased and will make every effort to provide all the necessary support during this difficult time to render any assistance needed,” the Ministry’s statement shared.
The last death would’ve been reported on Thursday after a 46-year-old female from Region Four died while receiving care. She is said to be a Chinese national.
Meanwhile, the daily dashboard also showed a total of 3672 cases after new positives were confirmed. There are 16 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 112 in institutional isolation, 850 on home isolation and 52 in institutional quarantine.
Another 68 persons made complete recoveries, increasing the total recoveries to 2590. There are 1034 active cases in Guyana.
A regional breakdown shows that nine new cases were detected in Region One (Barima-Waini), one in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), four in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 24 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), one in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), nine in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and four in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
There was no increase in cases within Regions Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), remaining at 55, 119 and 372 respectively.
As Government pushes to ensure that Guyana receives a vaccination as soon as it becomes available, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has indicated that frontline workers will be the first to benefit. In the meanwhile, the country has managed to ramp up its testing capability from nine hours to 45 minutes’ processing time – a significant reduction.
The National Public Health Reference Laboratory can now test more persons per day after a $7.2 million automated extractor was donated by the People’s Republic of China. Government has also purchased another extractor, which will be delivered shortly.
In the present situation, the COVID-19 emergency measures (No 10) are still in effect, with a change in the countrywide curfew to 9 pm to 4 am to allow certain businesses to operate for a longer period. For example, gas stations, salons and supermarkets can now close at 20:00h.
All Guyanese were reminded to observe the protocols, which are in effect until October 31, 2020. This order emphasises the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and practicing 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, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.
The COVID-19 Hotline Centre handles the majority of the calls into COVID-19 hotlines and provides assistance to persons desirous of getting tested. The centre also provides assistance in following up with positive patients and facilitates contact with persons in home isolation.
The COVID hotline works on a 24/7 rotation. The hotline is managed by volunteers from across the different sectors; the Civil Defence Commission, the Red Cross and the Ministry of Health among others. (G12)