2 more COVID-19 deaths, 160 new cases reported

…active cases surpass 2000

Two more deaths from the coronavirus disease on Friday hiked the country’s fatalities to 351, and May’s death toll to 52.
The latest deaths were announced by the Health Ministry as a 52-year-old female from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and a 58-year-old male Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). They both died while receiving care at a medical facility.
Previously, the last reported deaths were on Tuesday, namely a 37-year-old of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), a 50-year-old and 73-year-old from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and a 54-year-old man from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
Meanwhile, the country has recorded 160 new cases of the novel coronavirus, taking the total positives recorded to date to 15,903.
There are 2007 active cases: 18 patients in the Intensive Care Unit, 113 in institutional isolation and 1876 in home isolation. Another eight persons are under institutional quarantine. A total of 13,545 persons have recovered. Since the pandemic started, 141,2712 individuals were tested – of which 7843 males and 7900 females were positive.
A breakdown showed the detection of one new case in Region One (Barima-Waini), eight in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); 27 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 63 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); 10 in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); five in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); 53 in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); 16 in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); two in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and nine in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony reiterated on Friday that normalcy can only return if Guyanese take their vaccines – which will ultimately allow for the reopening of the country. This was his position amid complaints about the current measures.
He said, “A lot of people have been complaining about wearing masks and maintaining physical distancing and the constraints that they have in terms of normal activity. If we want to return to some sense of normalcy, then we all would have to take the vaccine. if we’re all fully vaccinated, then we can reopen the country but until then, it’s going to be challenging.”
While sympathising that businesses have seen losses due to reduced operation, he directed that workplaces must be safe for people to conduct their activities. One way of doing so is having employees immunised against the virus.
“Many businesses over the last several months have not been able to return to full operation. In some cases, some Private Sector businesses would have had to lay off staff because they haven’t been doing that volume of business. Therefore, they have sent people home. If [we] want businesses to recover, if we want to go back to full employment, then one of the things we’ll have to do is make sure that workplaces are safe.”
In this light, workplaces were encouraged to ensure that their employees take the vaccines.
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.