…159 new cases, 32 in ICU
The Health Ministry on Thursday announced six more deaths related to COVID-19, causing a rise in total deaths from the virus locally to 857.
The patients were admitted with COVID-19-like symptoms, and died while receiving care at medical institutions. Samples taken at the time of admission subsequently returned positive results.
Among the deaths was a four-year-old boy from Region One (Barima-Waini). He died on October 13, along with one fully-vaccinated and four unvaccinated persons. They were a 56-year-old female from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); a 73-year-old male from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); a 38-year-old female from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); a 79-year-old male from Region Four; and a 68-year-old male from Region Six.
Meanwhile, the daily dashboard showed an increase of 159 cases, resulting in a total 34,132 cases. Some 16,149 males contracted the virus along with 17,983 females. 
There are 32 persons in the specialised Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 126 in institutional isolation, 3613 in home isolation and 23 in institutional quarantine. The number of recoveries now stands at 29,504, while 334,413 persons have been tested to date.
Regionally, there were 20 new cases Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); 31 in Region Three; 81 in Region Four; nine in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); seven in Region Six; eight in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and two in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
No increases were reported in Regions One, Eight (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
Monitoring J&J 2nd dose
As the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explores the possibility of a possible second dose for Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, the Health Ministry will be monitoring these developments to institute contingency plans locally.
The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is currently a single-dose regimen and has been used locally in Guyana’s vaccine efforts. In the latest COVID-19 update, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony pointed out that if a second dose was recommended after the FDA completed its review, then persons would have to return for their booster shot.
“We’re paying keen attention, because – at least for the J&J –because we have been using that in Guyana and if we have to get a second dose now, then we’ll have to go back or encourage those persons who received it to come and get their booster shot,” he stated.
Eight months after the vaccination campaign began, Guyana has managed to vaccinate approximately 371,007 persons or 72.3 per cent with a first dose. Some 228,262 or 44.5 per cent of the adult population received both doses.
For children, 26,130 first doses covering 35.8 per cent, have been administered.
If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.
All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasise: correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home, maintaining six feet of physical distance from others and good hand hygiene. (G12)
