– authorities monitoring over 5000 active cases
Guyana’s death toll from the coronavirus pandemic has moved to 1160, with the deaths of four more persons from Region Four.
The Health Ministry reported on Friday that the new fatalities included three males: a 75-year-old who died on January 25; a 57-year-old who died on January 27; and an 82-year-old who died on January 28. The fourth person is an 80-year-old woman, who succumbed on January 26. Only one of these persons was fully vaccinated.
In total, 27,292 men have been infected with the virus, when compared to 31,687 women. However, new statistics provided by the Ministry showed that 375 new cases of the virus were recorded, thus taking the total positives recorded to date to 58,979.
Some 18 persons are being monitored in the ICU, 218 in institutional isolation, 10,912 in home isolation and 16 in institutional quarantine. Recoveries stand at 46,671.
A total of 502,565 COVID-19 tests have been administered since the virus was detected in Guyana back in March 2020.
Regionally, a breakdown showed 12 new infections were detected in Region One (Barima-Waini); four in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); 65 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 185 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); five in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); 34 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); 12 in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); one in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and 16 in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). There was no increase in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
Meanwhile, from the surplus of 12,000 active coronavirus infections in Guyana, a whopping 5093 were from Georgetown.
These statistics were provided by Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Friday during the COVID briefing. He noted that while the positives are dispersed among communities, a significant 591 cases are in Kitty, 376 in Sophia, 312 in South Ruimveldt, 269 in Campbellville, 269 in Lodge and 268 in Cummings Lodge.
Across Guyana, 12,357 active cases are being monitored – 157 of which are hospitalised. At the Infectious Diseases Hospital, 103 patients are seeking treatment for COVID-19.
Other hotspots and accompanying active infections include Mabaruma (77) in Region One (Barima-Waini); Charity (30), Anna Regina (20), Richmond (14) in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); La Parfaite Harmonie (229), Tuschen (157), Pouderoyen (104), Vreed-en-Hoop (88), Crane (87), Cornelia Ida (80), Uitvlugt (70); and Goed Fortuin (68) in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). Throughout Region Three, there are 2315 active cases.
Over in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), there are 698 active cases on the East Bank of Demerara including Diamond (107), Grove (101), Eccles (63), Providence (55), Herstelling (40) and Mocha (35).
As it relates to the East Coast, there are 928 active infections spanning Mon Repos (65), Better Hope (50), Enmore (37), Non Pariel (36), Annadale (35), Lusignan (35), Haslington (32), Beterverwagting (30), Good Hope (29) and Paradise (29).
Meanwhile, Bath Settlement (23), Bel Air (21), Hugo Chavez Centre (20) and Rosignol (19) in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) are locations of interest.
New Amsterdam (90) in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); Bartica (264) in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); Mahdia (35) in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); Lethem (66), St Ignatius (52), Tapachinga (36) in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo); and Wismar (211), Amelia’s Ward (179), McKenzie (77) and Wisroc (35), Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) are also under monitoring.
The surge in cases currently witnessed across countries is said to be linked to the circulation of the Omicron strain – the latest variant of concern.
Nevertheless, vaccination continues among the population, with 422,727 first dose uptake among the adult population or 82.4 per cent. Second doses are at 311,796 or 73.8 per cent.
For adolescents, 22,862 or 31.3 per cent are fully vaccinated. Some 37,598 persons have returned for their booster shots.
Government started administering booster shots after studies around the world showed that the efficacy of the vaccines wanes after six months of receiving both doses.
Persons have been encouraged to take the booster dose, since protection against the disease would wane after months of complete immunisation. This month, some 18,000 new infections were reported with the rise of the Omicron variant – a percentage of which was pregnant women.
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
