2 more die from COVID-19, death toll climbs to 1028

With the death of two more persons from COVID-19, the country’s death toll has moved to 1028.
The deaths are a 49-year-old unvaccinated woman from Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), who died on December 15; and an 82-year-old fully-vaccinated male from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), who died on December 16.
In one day, 23 new positives emerged, taking the confirmed cases in Guyana to 38,751. Of this figure, 18,277 are males with 20,474 females.
There are 13 patients in the Intensive Care Unit, 44 in institutional isolation, 630 in home isolation and three in institutional quarantine. In total, 37,036 persons recovered completely.
From a breakdown, one positive was reported in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), one in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), five in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), 15 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and one in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
Regions One (Barima-Waini), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) saw no increases.
The latest vaccination figures show that over 407,000 adults have received a first dose vaccine while more than 288,000 are fully immunised.
With regards to adolescents, over 30,000 got their first dose and over 21,000 are fully vaccinated.
Meanwhile, the Government started administering booster shots last month after studies around the world showed that the efficacy of the vaccines wanes after six months of receiving both doses. So far, over 7000 booster shots have been administered to the adult population.
The Health Ministry had reported that persons who took the Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccines can use Pfizer as the booster shot; while those who received Sputnik V will get a Johnson and Johnson dose as a booster, and those with Sinopharm will get another shot of that jab as a booster.
All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 24), which are in effect until December 31, 2021. This order emphasises the need for everyone, 12 years and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19; 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 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, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit us at www.health.gov.gy (G12)