31 new coronavirus cases recorded

Guyana’s COVID-19 cases have increased to 6541, with the detection of 31 new positives on Saturday. Active cases are now at 355.
The Health Ministry’s daily dashboard showed deaths at 167 with 6019 recoveries. To date, 3375 males and 3166 females have contracted the virus.
There are five persons in the Intensive Care Unit, 46 persons in institutional isolation, 304 in home isolation and 36 in institutional quarantine.
New cases were detected in six regions, and a breakdown confirmed six new cases in Region One (Barima-Waini), 19 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), one in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), one in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), two in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and one in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
The cases in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) remained at 202, 462, 548 and 526 respectively.
On Friday, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony disclosed that 30 students, 11 teachers and 13 auxiliary staffers tested positive for COVID-19 after schools reopened. These cases were spread across Regions One, Two, Four, Five, Seven, Eight, Nine and 10.
“We are expecting some of the students in the far-off areas to come to those dorms and when they come, they will be tested. So, these numbers might go up. I think the education system is expecting over the weekend that they will have students coming in,” he added.
In recent time, the Ministry has been able to introduce rapid antigen tests, reinforcing the COVID-19 fight in hinterland communities. Meanwhile, GeneXpert machines have also been deployed in the hinterland communities to provide additional support and testing in these areas.
Dr Anthony had shared earlier that they were expecting a spike in cases of the coronavirus, following the Christmas season activities where many persons would have failed to adhere to the national measures. In light of this, he said increased testing is planned along with the preparation of hospitals for an increased number of positive patients. The latter is in the event that anyone requires hospitalization; it should be readily available.
The public is reminded of the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home; maintaining the six feet physical distance from others and 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 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy. (G12)