21 new COVID-19 cases reported

– total number of cases now stand at 5154

The confirmed number of COVID-19 cases in Guyana is now 5154, with the detection of 21 new positive samples during a 24-hour period.
The Health Ministry’s dashboard reflected that the death toll remained at 146 while 4034 persons have made complete recoveries. There are eight persons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 85 persons in institutional isolation, 881 in home isolation and 331 in institutional quarantine.
To date, 2677 males and 2477 females have contracted the virus.
A breakdown shows one new case was detected in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); one in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and 19 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
The positive cases in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) remained at 843, 121, 38, 440, 178, 376 and 207 respectively.
It was reported that three persons died from the virus on Sunday: a 29-year-old man from Region Seven, an 89-year-old man from Region Six, and an 88-year-old woman from Region 10. They succumbed while receiving medical treatment at various medical facilities.
Meanwhile, AstraZeneca announced on Monday that its COVID-19 vaccine was around 90 per cent effective, cheaper to produce, and there were no issues with distribution. Moreover, 700 million doses could be produced in the first quarter of 2021.
This announcement comes after Pfizer and Moderna said they have achieved 95 per cent effectiveness in the clinical trials of their vaccines. They have applied for emergency authorisation use from the US Food and Drug Administration, and this permission can give the greenlight for December production.
During the latest update, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony shared his thoughts on this new development, “They (AstraZeneca) have been able to demonstrate that with two doses, they’re reaching at least 70 per cent efficacy, which is a bit short of what Moderna and Pfizer have released…but with AstraZeneca, what they have also noticed with the preliminary data, if you do a small first dose and a larger second dose, the efficacy would go up by 90 per cent.”
AstraZeneca’s vaccine does not require a cold chain, making it easier to use with the existing infrastructure. He said while it was “promising”, authorities were awaiting more information from the detailed studies.
“There’re probably about 200 candidates for vaccines that are being developed. Many of them are in the preclinical trial. We have those that are in the clinical trial, with these three having completed now the third stage. We’ll see in the next couple weeks and months, more vaccines that will completing the phase three clinical trials, so we will have lots of options to work with,” Dr Anthony explained.
Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 10), which are in effect until November 31, 2020. This order emphasises, among other things, the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home, the importance of maintaining six feet of 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, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.