2 more COVID-19 deaths, 34 new cases recorded

…13 persons in ICU

There are now 119 coronavirus-related deaths in Guyana, after two persons succumbed while receiving treatment on Saturday. The number of COVID-19 deaths for the month of October stands at 37.
The Health Ministry announced that the latest fatalities are two men: a 78-year-old from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and an 86-year-old from Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). They both died while receiving care at a medical facility.
The last set of deaths were reported last Wednesday, after three persons died from the life-threatening virus. All three victims were males from Region One (Barima-Waini).
A 68-year-old male would have died on Wednesday while receiving care at a medical facility, while the other two fatalities – 80-year-old Lionel Peters of Red Hill Settlement and 78-year-old Lewis Miller of Manawarin – died on Tuesday while receiving treatment at medical facilities.
As it relates to new cases, 34 were recorded on Saturday. Some 2098 males and 1896 females contracted the virus, reaching a total of 3994 cases detected in Guyana thus far.
There are 13 persons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), with 104 in institutional isolation, 740 in home isolation and 37 in institutional quarantine. Another 47 recoveries were recorded for one day, contributing to a total of 2970 recovered cases and 944 active cases.
Two new cases were detected in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), three in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 21 in Region Four, one in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), two in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and five in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
There were no increases in Regions One, Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Eight and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) which remained at 662, 25, 128 and 375 respectively.
Region Four has the highest number of cases, 1835 – representing almost half of the country’s total cases.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony would have announced in recent time that steps would be taken to update local guidelines after US regulators have given full approval for antiviral drug remdesivir to treat COVID-19 patients. Previously, the Government had given approval for the use of remdesivir to treat critically ill patients after early clinical trials indicated a quicker recovery period of COVID-19 patients.
Meanwhile, convalescent plasma, where the blood from someone who has recovered from an illness is used to help others recover, has not been as beneficial as studies have shown. However, Dr Anthony explained that those studies were imprecise because not everyone who recovered from COVID-19 would have had a high titer (presence) of antibodies in their blood.
All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 9), 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 the need for 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.