42 new COVID-19 cases detected from 1057 tests

From 1057 swabs that were taken for analysis on Saturday, 42 persons tested positive for COVID-19. Now, the total confirmed cases are 8399 – 4351 males and 4048 females. Some 7729 have since recovered, leaving 481 active cases.
The Health Ministry’s dashboard showed that deaths have remained at 189.
Nevertheless, 10 persons are still seeking treatment in the Intensive Care Unit, with 34 in institutional isolation, 437 in home isolation and 16 in institutional quarantine.
Guyana has tested 58,802 persons thus far.

New cases
New cases were detected across six administrative regions, with one in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); three in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 32 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); one in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); three in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and two in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
Today, the resumption of the Guyana-Suriname ferry service begins, which operates between Moleson Creek in Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), and South Drain, Suriname. Importantly, the Ministry advised that as a result of serious health concerns, only Guyanese and Surinamese would be allowed to utilise this facility.
Additionally, every passenger must have a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, and this must be taken within 72 hours of travel.
“All COVID-19 protocols, including the observing of social distancing on board and in the terminal building will be observed. Guyanese can receive PCR test at all approved medical institutions conducting PCR test in Guyana while Guyanese in Suriname can conduct their testing at Suriname’s Public Hospital and MeDiLab in Paramaribo. Passengers are also asked to have all their travel documents required to travel to Suriname prior to COVID-19,” the Ministry has said.
Meanwhile, the curfew which forms part of the National COVID-19 Measures will remain the same throughout February, that is, from 22:30h (10:30 pm) to 04:00h (04:00 am). It clearly outlines that flights from Brazil are prohibited until further notice.
No one is permitted to host or attend a cinema except for drive-in movies; private party, banquet hall, bar, public swimming pool or water park, wake or vigil, club, meeting fraternity or any other social activity. Restaurants and places of worship continue to operate at 40 per cent capacity.
Gyms are to operate at 50 per cent capacity while sporting events are only permitted with approval from the Health Minister.
Symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, cough, tiredness, diarrhoea, pains, sore throat and loss of taste or smell. The more serious symptoms are difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain and loss of speech or movement. If persons are experiencing symptoms or have been in contact with a positive person, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy. (G12)