4 more COVID-19 deaths recorded, 20 persons in ICU

The Health Ministry has announced four more deaths as a result of COVID-19, moving the total number of deaths from the pandemic to 1138.
Those who died included a 32-year-old male from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and a 52-year-old female from Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) – both of whom died on January 24. On January 23, a 57-year-old female from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) succumbed. The fourth person was a 63-year-old female from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), who died on January 22.
An updated dashboard showed 173 new cases, propelling confirmed cases to 57,400. This is a significant decrease in daily positives when compared to the data from previous days.
Meanwhile, there are 184 persons in institutional isolation, 13,175 in home isolation and 14 in institutional quarantine.
Active coronavirus cases in the country are 13,644, which are being monitored by health authorities. From this number, 153 persons are hospitalised – 44 in regional hospitals and 101 at Infectious Diseases Hospital. In the Intensive Care Unit, there are 20 patients.
A breakdown of new infections demonstrated two in Region One (Barima-Waini), 10 in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 12 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 18 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), five in Region Five (Demerara-Mahaica), 13 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), one from Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), one in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and 11 in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
There were no increases in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Weekends
Testing and vaccination activities across sites in the country are relatively low during weekends, since less people are presenting themselves at the facilities.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony indicated during Monday’s COVID update that while the testing and vaccination sites remain open on weekends, the low numbers have remained a challenge.
“We are doing testing on weekends. Unfortunately, we don’t see a lot of people coming on weekends to be either tested or vaccinated. While we have a number of sites that are opened on the weekends, we don’t really see a lot of people coming so that has been a challenge for us,” the Minister outlined.
Recently, healthcare workers had tested positive as infections surged locally. Addressing this issue, it was outlined that a mechanism was implemented at the Georgetown Public Hospital and other hospitals to smoothly manage services.
“We have put contingencies in place to deal with that. So, while we have some staff that are positive, that’s not going to affect the services that we deliver. It’s not only for GPHC. We have put those mitigation measures in place for all the hospitals and health centres across the country,” he expressed.
Some 420,591 persons or 82 per cent of the adult population have taken a first dose COVID vaccine; while 308,392 or 60.1 per cent are fully vaccinated. For the 12 to 17 age group, 32,237 or 44.2 per cent were immunised with a first dose but 22,655 or 31 per cent have since returned for the last shot. Booster doses have seen an uptake of 33,980 doses.
“I just want to remind people that they need to come out and take the booster doses because this is what is going to help with the protection against Omicron.”
All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures, which are in effect until January 31, 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