3 more COVID-19 infected persons die

The COVID-19 death toll in Guyana is now at 1171, after three more persons died as of Tuesday after testing positive for the virus.
Information from the Health Ministry stated that all three deaths were reported on February 1, with two of these persons being unvaccinated. They included an 83-year-old woman from Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); a 76-year-old man from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and a 30-year-old woman from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).
An updated dashboard reflected 220 new cases of the virus, which saw the overall total climbing to 60,109. Some 184 patients are in institutional isolation, 9447 in home isolation and 16 in institutional quarantine. Recoveries stand at 49,294.
In the country, 508,888 COVID-19 tests have been administered since the virus was detected here.
There were 58 new infections in Region One (Barima-Waini), 14 in in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 14 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 90 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), 15 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), 17 in Region Seven, nine in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and three in Region 10.
There were no new cases in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), and Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
Across COVID-19 facilities, 135 patients are hospitalised with 13 in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The Infectious Diseases Hospital currently houses 91 individuals who have contracted the virus and require advanced care.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony underscored on Tuesday that countries were better prepared to handle the new coronavirus as opposed to when the virus was first detected some two years ago. The successful creation of several vaccines has been an integral tool in navigating the pandemic.
“We’re in a much better place than we were when the disease first emerged in 2019. We know quite a lot more about the disease, how it’s spreading, how it’s transmitted, the kinds of damage it can do to the body and how we can mitigate against those. Because of the intense effort that was put in developing drugs, vaccines and other measures, we have been able to reduce the burden of this disease,” he acknowledged.
Antiretroviral medications have also been developed to shorten the lifecycle of the virus, while monoclonal antibodies are also effective in mitigating the disease.
However, he advised, “We still have to maintain the types of public health precautions that we have been advising people to take.”
Vaccination continues among the population, with latest figures showing 424,133 first doses among the adult population or 82.7 per cent. Second doses are at 314,032 or 61.2 per cent.
For adolescents, 23,065 or 31.6 per cent are fully vaccinated. Some 39,547 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.
If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 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: correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; six feet of physical distance from others and good hand hygiene. (G12)