38 COVID-19 cases originated in Region 7

Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) has seen an upsurge in COVID-19 cases within the past weeks, and data shows that 38 positive cases have been detected thus far.

Region Seven RHO, Dr Edward Sagala

The Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Edward Sagala in a press statement indicated that two health teams have been dispatched to key areas throughout the region – which currently has the third highest number of infections locally.
On Wednesday, one of the teams left for Puruni Landing, where they would be conducting sensitisation and screening exercises along with COVID-19 testing. Another team from the Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) was dispatched to Aranka, Region Seven last Sunday where similar initiatives were being undertaken.
Presently, nine individuals are being trained to conduct screening in several areas in Region Seven, including: Sherima Crossing, Vulture Boat Landing and the Fifth Avenue Beach.
Along with 38 cases, there has been one reported death in the region. Seven persons have recovered and six persons are currently in isolation. Dr Sagala further informed that 22 persons were tested and their results were yet to be released.
On June 2, 34-year-old Abdool Khan succumbed while being treated at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The businessman, who hailed from Bartica, was admitted for over a week after testing positive for the virus. He was the father of a three-year-old child who tested positive along with several family members one week prior.
Last Friday, special measures were announced for the mining and hinterland regions, owing to existing threats and the spike in cases in some areas. This comes on the heels of mounting calls from organisations and village councils for mining to be suspended, as the movement of people was linked to an upsurge in cases.
While they were not completely stopped, mining operations are to cease in some areas, specifically Aranka and Arangoy’s Landing in Region Seven and Moruca in Region One (Barima-Waini). These regions are leading the list for the most positive cases in recent times. No person is allowed to travel into or out of the zones listed without authorisation from the Public Health Ministry. Persons residing in the areas are required to wear a “mask fitted to cover the nose and mouth” when in public.
Gatherings should not exceed five persons and the physical distance of six feet between persons shall apply to those gatherings. Meanwhile, all homes and public places including shops, landings, means of transport and conveyances are to be sanitised regularly.