– 42 deaths recorded for May thus far, 103 new cases detected in 24hrs
The Health Ministry on Sunday reported that three more persons died from COVID-19, thus taking the overall death toll to 341 with a whopping 42 recorded for the month of May so far.
The three new fatalities are a 65-year-old male from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and an 84-year-old female from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). They reportedly succumbed on Friday while a 54-year-old man from Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) died on Saturday.
All three persons died while receiving attention at a medical facility.
However, new statistics released by the Health Ministry shows that a total of 103 new cases were detected on Sunday, taking the total confirmed cases to 15,271.
The Ministry related that 14 persons remain in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 110 in institutional isolation, 1839 in home isolation and eight in institutional quarantine. In total, 12,967 persons recovered completely.
Since the pandemic started, 137,081 individuals were tested – of which 7628 males and 7643 females were positive. Guyana currently has a whopping 1961 active cases.
New cases were detected in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Five (Mahaica-Berbice).
However, cases in Regions Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) remained at 939, 1151, 271, 686 and 1031 respectively.
Last week, the COVAX mechanism delivered 38,400 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines to Guyana – the second consignment that has been sent within two months. In total, Guyana has received 62,400 doses through COVAX.
The agency has promised to send 100,800 shots at zero cost, that will cover 20 per cent of the adult population. It is expected that more vaccines will be delivered in the future until this target is achieved.
Thus far, Guyana’s vaccination programme has been led by 80,000 AstraZeneca vaccines from India, 20,000 Sinopharm doses from China and 3000 through the Barbadian Government.
The country has also purchased US$4 million of the Russia-manufactured Sputnik V vaccines – of which 138,000 doses have already arrived. Another 68,000 is expected this month.
Persons have been continually asked to turn up and take their vaccines, especially since the coronavirus mortality pattern in Guyana has taken a new trajectory, affecting younger age groups.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has stated that data gathered in recent weeks shows that individuals from lower age groups are falling victim to the novel disease.
Previously, only older people or those with comorbidities were at risk. The Minister outlined that this trend could be due to the fact that a large percentage of the 60 and older subset have already been vaccinated. With this indication, he had said it was important for Guyanese to ensure that they take both doses of the vaccine.
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, contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.
