2 more die from COVID, death toll now stands at 549

– 24 new cases recorded in 24 hours

The Health Ministry on Tuesday reported that two more persons who tested positive for COVID-19 have succumbed, thus taking the death toll to 549.
The victims are two women, a 54-year-old and a 55-year-old from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). They reportedly died on Tuesday while receiving medical care at a facility.
On Monday, one person – a 30-year-old woman also from Region Four died.
However, new statistics provided by the Ministry showed that 24 new cases were detected in one day. The total confirmed cases in the country have now increased to 22,643. There are 12 patients being monitored in the Intensive Care Unit, 87 in institutional isolation, 648 in home isolation and two in institutional quarantine.
Some 22,327 of the 11,028 males and 11,615 females that tested positive have since recovered. Guyana has tested 228,511 persons since the virus was detected here.
An analysis of new cases showed one for Region One (Barima-Waini); two in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); two in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 17 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and two in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
Cases remained the same Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
Meanwhile, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony stated that the distribution has already commenced for the 84,800 AstraZeneca vaccines received from the United Kingdom on Monday. These jabs come with an advantage, since they are stored at normal cold chain temperatures.
“We have started that distribution process, sending it out to all the vaccination hubs that we have across the country and they in turn would be using it to do the vaccination. Of course, we have divided it into two and we kept back half of it because they’re both first and second doses,” he indicated.
Presently, there are enough jabs in the health system to facilitate anyone desirous of being inoculated. Both doses are available for the Sinopharm and AstraZeneca shots along with Sputnik V first doses.
“We have had cases where people regret they didn’t have the vaccine but at that point, it’s too late. So, you have an opportunity to get vaccinated, please go and get vaccinated. We have vaccines for everyone who would take the vaccine. We have enough. We have AstraZeneca, we have Sinopharm vaccines, we have Sputnik V first dose. We’re getting some second doses shortly. So, we have vaccines.”
As it pertains to travel into Guyana, he cautioned that the requirements are subject to change. From August 8, persons are now required to have a negative PCR test and they must be vaccinated.
“As of now, vaccination as defined in the order means at least having one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. For now, we’re asking for at least one dose so you must show proof of vaccination,” the Minister outlined.
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.
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.