− 88 cases recorded in 24h
− unvaccinated persons can access healthcare at public institutions
Guyana’s coronavirus death toll has skyrocketed to a whopping 569, after two more persons died as of Thursday.
Those who succumbed are a 64-year-old woman from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and a 51-year-old from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). They both died while receiving care at medical facility.
However, new statistics provided by the Health Ministry showed that 88 new cases were detected within a 24-hour period thus taking the confirmed cases to 23,244. There are 16 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 80 in institutional isolation and one in institutional quarantine. Some 21,848 positive cases have since recovered. 
An analysis of new cases showed six in Region One (Barima-Waini); one in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); nine in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 40 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); five in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); nine in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); 12 in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and one in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
Positives did not increase in Regions Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
Meanwhile, it has been two weeks since the introduction of bolstered COVID-19 measures this month, and some 26,698 persons have come forward to receive their first doses. This was shared by Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony.
“On average, we have been getting about 2224 persons taking their first dose vaccines since the measures have gone in place. Second dose vaccines, there’s an interval to wait so people would have to wait generally between one month to three months. For second doses, we have seen about 4585 coming for their second dose, which approximate to 2082 persons on average. These numbers are good and I want to encourage people to come out and get their vaccines.”
The measures will end on August 31, 2021 – unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Health Minister after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions. In order to transport members of the public, the gazetted document stipulates that, “Every operator and conductor of any public transportation service shall be vaccinated and have in their possession, an official identification document and their vaccination card, and shall produce these documents when requested to do so by a Police Officer or any authorised by the Minister of Health”.
At Government agencies, unvaccinated persons can only benefit from the respective services via an appointment.
Hospitals had mandated that persons be immunised to enter but the Ministry has since advised that any patient seeking care “at any public health facility across the ten administrative regions, whether vaccinated or not, must be allowed to access health care”.
Persons accompanying the patient must show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test to gain entry.
In addition, the Health Minister has since informed that given representation by various stakeholders, persons who are required to be vaccinated will be given two weeks to comply with the gazetted order.
“I have examined the request and wish to announce that healthcare workers, public transport operators, and conductors will be given two weeks to comply with the Order. I wish to reiterate that the Government of Guyana has secured enough vaccines for the adult population. Guyanese have a choice of first and second dose AstraZeneca or SinoPharm and first dose Sputnik V,” he had said in a statement.
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.
