…2 new deaths, 80 cases in 24h
Out of the 327 reported deaths in Guyana from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a whopping 204 were males.
This means men are leading the death rate locally, standing at 62 per cent of lives lost to the virus. Statistics further show that females account for 123 deaths.
On Monday, the Health Ministry announced two more deaths, raising the death toll to 327. The latest fatalities are two males: a 77-year-old and 59-year-old from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). They both died on Sunday while receiving care at a medical facility.
Previously on Saturday, another two males – an 82-year-old from Region Four and a 60-year-old from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) – also died while seeking treatment.
For the year thus far, there have been 163 reported deaths from the pandemic. To put this data into context, 164 deaths were recorded from March to December 2020. This comparison shows a spiralling increase in mere months.
When the pandemic was in its initial stage, authorities had expressed concerns that many men were disregarding guidelines in regard to health practices that would protect them from the coronavirus. This was linked to increased deaths in males from the virus. In fact, eight of the first 10 persons that died from the coronavirus were men.
New cases
On Monday, 80 new cases were confirmed from 236 samples, raising the total confirmed positives to 14,442. Active cases are now at 1883.
In the facilities, 16 patients are in the Intensive Care Unit, 101 in institutional isolation and 16 in institutional quarantine. Some 1766 persons are also in home isolation. Out of the 6785 males and 6733 females that tested positive, 12,154 have recovered completely. To date, Guyana has tested 130,388 individuals.
A breakdown of new cases showed that 13 were detected in Region One (Barima-Waini), four in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 15 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), two in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), 27 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), one in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and 18 in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
The total confirmed cases in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) stand at 408, 1116 and 611 respectively after no increases were recorded.
As the Health Ministry works to combat vaccine hesitancy in some communities, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony had cautioned that increased cases with a low vaccine uptake can prove fatal. Region 10 has still recorded the lowest uptake.
“One, we have cases increasing in areas of Region 10 and at the same time, we have reluctance or hesitancy in terms of taking vaccines. Those two can be a deadly combination. Again. We need to be mindful and I think the people there should come forward and start getting immunised or else we’ll start seeing many more cases,” the Minister said in a recent brief.
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 (No 17), which are in effect until May 31, 2021. This order emphasises 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.
