…curfew remains in effect from midnight to 04:00h for February
The Health Ministry on Monday reported that another two more persons have succumbed to COVID-19, thus taking the death toll to 1168.
The fatalities are two men – a 79-year-old from Region Four who died on January 30; and an 86-year-old from Region Three who died on January 27.
However, new statistics released by the Ministry showed that 86 new cases were detected within a 24-hour period. This now brings the total infections to date to 59,889 – 27,689 males and 32,191 females.
There are 11 persons in the specialised Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 200 in institutional isolation, 10,898 on home isolation and 19 in institutional quarantine.
The number of recoveries now stands at 47,612, while 507,444 persons have been tested to date. Guyana’s active cases have decreased slightly to 11,610.
Regionally, one new case was recorded in Region One (Barima-Waini); four in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); 12 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 13 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); nine in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); 33 in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); 14 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and one Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
No increases were reported in Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
Meanwhile, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Monday stated that 195 beds are available at the Infectious Diseases Hospital – a majority of which now have individualised oxygen supply.
“That project has been completed and patients who go there can get oxygen off the wall outlet. When you compare that to previously what was there, where we had to put in oxygen tanks at the bedside, this will certainly be a great improvement,” he shared.
While the predominant use of the facility is for COVID-19, he said the range of services has been enhanced to treat infected patients who also suffer from comorbidities or pregnant women.
“If a patient needs dialysis, we can offer dialysis at the Ocean View facility. If a patient needs emergency surgery, we have an operational theatre where we can do emergency surgeries. If a patient needs emergency caesarean section, we can do that.”
Vaccination continues among the population, with latest figures showing 423,439 first dose uptake among the adult population or 82.5 per cent. Second doses are at 312,874 or 61 per cent.
For adolescents, 22,791 or 31.5 per cent are fully vaccinated. Some 38,916 persons have returned for their booster shots.
Government started administering booster shots after studies around the world showed that the efficacy of the vaccines wanes after six months of receiving both doses.
Persons have been encouraged to take the booster dose, since protection against the disease would wane after months of complete immunisation. In January, some 20,000 new infections were reported with the rise of the Omicron variant.
If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, they are asked to 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.
Globally, 364 million people have been infected, with over 5.6 million reported deaths. In the Americas, cases have surpassed 132 million with 2.89 million deaths.
Measures
4Further, the Government has renewed the national curfew for the month of February, which extends from 00:00h to 04:00h. The National COVID-19 Emergency Measures also remain in effect.
The measures are effective from February 1 to February 28, 2022 – unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Health Minister after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions.
In addition, from 04:00h to 23:00h, stakeholders can continue to access services at banks, markets, supermarkets, grocery shops, gas stations, postal or shipping services, beauty salons, barbershops, hardware stores, clothing stores; or other maintenance services.
Other services including food services, restaurants, bars (including those at hotels) can facilitate delivery, drive-thru, curb-side pick-up and take away services between this time. Self-service buffet dining is still prohibited. Gambling, pool, and snooker games are not allowed at bars.
Indoor and outdoor dining is also permitted within the same hours at 60 per cent capacity, tables spaced six feet apart, and patrons above the age of 12 in possession of their vaccination card with accompanying identification document.
There are still restrictions on social activities, where no one shall host or attend a private party, banquet, ball, reception, hotel swimming pool or waterpark, wage, vigil, club, discotheque, social club, civil organisation or association, fraternal society; or any other social activity. Sporting events require approval from the Ministry of Health.
Casinos, betting shops, or cinemas can still operate but only at forty per cent capacity of the building or seating area. Patrons will only be allowed entry upon possession of a vaccination card to show their immunisation status.
