…11 in ICU, 65 new infections
A hike in Guyana’s COVID-19 death rate continues, with three more females succumbing to the virus after testing positive.
The country has recorded 1193 deaths from the virus in about two years. In the Health Ministry’s update on Saturday, three females – two unvaccinated and one fully vaccinated – were reported as the latest fatalities.
They included an 80-year-old and 57-year-old – hailing from Region 10 – who died on February 10 and February 11, respectively. A 49-year-old from Region Four later died on February 12. 
On the other hand, there is a declining trend in new positives. Only 65 new cases surfaced as of Saturday, moving confirmed infections up to 62,221. This includes 28,654 males and 33,567 females.
There are 1927 persons in home isolation, 78 in institutional isolation and 11 in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) – reflecting a decline in active cases to 2016. This is a significant drop from the surplus of 13,000 reported last month.
Another 14 persons are in institutional quarantine. Some 59,012 persons have since recovered, while 523,929 COVID tests have been processed.
New infections
The data showed that five new infections emerged from Region One (Barima-Waini), three from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), nine from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 11 from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), 11 from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), 17 from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), two from Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and seven from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
There were no increases in Regions Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
Over 345,000 persons aged 12 years and older have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This means that almost 45 per cent of the entire Guyanese population are now fully vaccinated and more than 62 per cent of the population 18 years and older are fully vaccinated. More than 45,000 Guyanese have taken had a booster shot. In its campaign, Government has managed to deliver more than 850,000 doses.
For the 12 to 17 age category, the uptake has been low, with 45.3 per cent first dose uptake and 43.2 per cent for second doses. However, the coverage varies considerably across the 10 administrative regions.
Region Nine has exceeded the first dose coverage at over 100 per cent, meaning the Ministry has distributed a greater number than projected using the population database. The region’s second dose uptake is a remarkable 85.6 per cent.
Statistics show a 63.2 per cent first dose uptake in Region Eight, 62.2 per cent in Region One, 48.8 per cent in Region Six, 46.2 per cent in Region Three, 44.2 per cent in Region Five, 41.7 per cent in Region Four, 41.5 per cent in Region Two, 36 per cent in Region Seven, and 12.3 per cent in Region 10.
Meanwhile, second doses across this cohort covers 48.9 per cent in Region Eight, 37.5 per cent in Region One, 33.8 per cent in Region Three, 35.8 per cent in Region Five, 33 per cent in Region Six, 29.9 per cent in Region Four, 29.9 per cent in Region Two, 25.9 per cent in Region Seven and 6.9 per cent in Region 10.
“There are a number of regions who are below the average. I would say Regions Five, Four, Two, Seven and 10 are below the average and these are areas that we will have to focus on,” Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony examined during the latest COVID-19 briefing on Friday.
All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures, which are in effect until February 28, 2022. This order emphasises the need for everyone, 12 years and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19; 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, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy (G12)
