− GPHC will allow entry to unvaccinated persons only in emergencies
The Health Ministry on Saturday reported that Guyana’s coronavirus death toll has risen 556, after two more persons died from the virus on Friday.
The latest fatalities are two females: a 79-year-old female from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and a 55-year-old from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). So far for August, 10 persons are victims of the deadly disease.
However, new statistics released by the Ministry showed that 89 new cases were detected on Saturday, thus raising the total confirmed cases to 22,932. There are 18 patients in the Intensive Care Unit, 90 in institutional isolation, 698 in home isolation and five in institutional quarantine. Some 21,570 positive cases have since recovered.
An analysis of new cases showed 11 were recorded in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 55 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); three in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); nine in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); 10 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and one in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
Cases in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) remain the same.
In the latest COVID-19 update, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony cautioned the public that variants are circulating rapidly and persons of any age can be affected, especially those who have not been vaccinated.
“Variants affect everybody, regardless of your age. The Delta variant, however, we have seen more children having a severe form of the illness and we have also seen people with comorbidities having a tougher time with this particular variant. There’s no special age group that COVID would affect in terms of the Delta variant. it affects every age group and in the unvaccinated, we have seen that they’re getting a more severe form of the disease.” 
With the new vaccination measures for entry into Government agencies, Georgetown Public Hospital has notified that person entering the facility and its satellite clinics must present their national identification and vaccination cards. This includes visitors, patients and contractors.
“Unvaccinated persons seeking to enter the compound will not be permitted to visit any patients or any clinical areas. If the visitor has an appointment, they must present a negative PCR test result that was produced within 72 hours from a testing site that is approved by the Ministry of Health,” the advisory added.
Meanwhile, only persons seeking emergency medical attention will be allowed entry into the premises but anyone accompanying the patient will have to present their immunisation card before entering the Emergency Department.
“Patients who need to transact registration of birth/death or other business, patients who visit our clinics, and those who have scheduled elective procedures are urged to prioritise getting vaccinated in order to facilitate continuation of services and care.”
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.
All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene.
