3 more COVID-19 deaths, 81 new cases

…800,000 more doses of Sputnik V vaccine ordered

The COVID-19 death toll continues to rise, with Guyana recording three more fatalities as of May 16, 2021. This takes the total number of deaths from the pandemic to 344.
The victims have been identified as a 68-year-old man and 45-year-old woman from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and a 60-year-old woman from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).
The patients were admitted with COVID-19 like symptoms but died while receiving care at the various medical institutions. Samples were taken at the time of admission which subsequently returned positive. They all died on May 15.
Based on the daily statistics released by the Ministry, 81 new cases of the virus have also been recorded, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 15,352. To date, 137,730 tests have been administered.
There are 15 persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) along with 112 in institutional isolation, 1796 in home isolation and 6 in institutional quarantine.
The gender distribution shows that 7660 males have contracted the virus while 7692 females tested positive. The Ministry also revealed that 13,085 persons have recovered.

New cases
There were six new cases in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 25 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); two in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); 44 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); one in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); two in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and one in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
The Ministry is also appealing to the general public to respect the confidentiality of the deceased and their families and to allow them to mourn their tragic loss in peace.
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 to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.

800,000 more Sputnik V vaccines
Meanwhile, Guyana’s Government has ordered an additional 800,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine from Russia.
This is according to Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony in a Department of Public Information (DPI) report.
The Health Minister is quoted as saying the Government has ordered more of the Russian Sputnik V vaccines, which will arrive here soon.
“The Government of Guyana, we’re buying 800,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine and that would be able to give 400,000 persons their full vaccination with that. Because these are two doses, we will have enough for 400,000 people. In total, we’re going to have 800,000 doses, which would be for 400,000 people. So, we have already secured it, and they will be coming into Guyana in tranches.”
Dr Anthony said the COVID-19 vaccines would be available for every adult in Guyana. He said individuals should not hesitate to get inoculated as many countries are still struggling to obtain vaccines.
Dr Anthony said the Irfaan Ali-led Government is safeguarding the nation by ensuring there is enough vaccines to decrease the spread of the disease.
The Government has already bought 200,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine from Russia, which has been arriving here in batches.
To date, the Ministry has obtained 235,463 COVID-19 vaccines. This sum includes a consignment of 67,537 Sputnik V vaccines, which arrived in Guyana on Monday.
In addition to the Sputnik V vaccine, the Sinopharm and Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines have also been administered in Guyana.
Minister Anthony said over 168,000 individuals have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in Guyana, and more than 28,000 persons have been fully immunised against the disease.
The Minister is encouraging all adults to get immunised to lessen their chances of contracting a severe form of COVID. Government is seeking to vaccinate at least 500,000 persons to reach herd immunity.