2 more deaths, 74 new COVID-19 cases reported

Another two new coronavirus-related deaths on Tuesday raised Guyana’s death toll to 58, accompanied with 74 new cases.
The Health Ministry confirmed the deaths, noting that it was reported at midnight on September 14. The latest fatalities are a 75-year-old male from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and an 86-year-old woman from Region One (Barima-Waini). Both persons died while receiving medical care at the facility.
The Ministry said samples were collected from both at the time of admission and were tested positive for COVID-19. Officials have since proceeded to contact all relatives and persons who had contact with the deceased to facilitate contact tracing and rapid assistance.
Prior to this, one death was reported on Sunday morning as well as two last Friday.
With the 74 new cases, the country’s total figures of positive COVID-19 cases recorded in Guyana climbed to 1958. The data presented a gender breakdown of 962 males and 996 females being infected with COVID-19. In one day, there has been a reduction of one patient in the designated Intensive Care Unit, which now stands at 15.
There are 533 individuals on home isolation – an additional 23 more. Notwithstanding, some 49 persons are in institutional isolation and 70 in institutional quarantine. From the confirmed cases, 1302 persons have recovered – an increase of 37.
A regional breakdown of the new cases showed that eight were detected in Region One (Barima-Waini), six in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 41 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), 11 in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), four in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), two in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and two in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
The other regional figures remain the same with 26 in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 12 in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and 29 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
Last week, Director of Medical and Professional Services (DMPS) at the Georgetown Public Hospital, Dr Fawcett Jeffrey responded to the upsurge in deaths within the past month, stating that it is highly linked to comorbidity in patients, which is derived from pre-existing medical conditions.
The health official explained that a closer look at the recent deaths showed that there were no shortages of medical equipment or protective gears for staffers in the designated Intensive Care Unit (ICU). As the virus progresses, more information has been surfacing about its nature, which has established a link between comorbidity and the death rate.
Some conditions which can cause deterioration of a COVID-19 patient include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, diabetes, obesity, heart diseases, asthma, cystic fibrosis, cancer, weakened immune system and others.
With the large number of cases confirmed on Tuesday, the Health Ministry advised Guyanese yet again to observe all protocols provided in the National Emergency Measures, which is in effect until September 30. This includes adherence to the 6 pm to 6 am curfew.
Persons are reminded of the need for correct and consistent use of face masks when leaving their homes, maintaining the six feet physical distance from others and good hand hygiene to reduce the spread of the virus.
If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or need any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624 6674 immediately. Those with an internet connection can also visit the website at www.health.gov.gy for guidance.