Over the course of one week, Guyana has seen an increase of 42 COVID-19 cases, with the detection of one new case on Monday in Region 7 ( Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
COVID-19 Coordinator, Dr Michael Marks
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Karen Gordon-Boyle informed that 84 tests were done within one day, to which one returned positive. however, throughout the past week, a high number of cases were recorded in Regions One (Barima-Waini) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
The number of active cases in institutional isolation is now 155 with 15 persons in institutional quarantine and a reduction of just two patients in the COVID ICU.
There are still 19 deaths from the virus and 163 persons have recovered. To date, the total number of tests done is 5023.
“Our cases continue to climb and since July 12, we have detected 42 new cases with many of the new cases reported in Regions One and Nine,” Dr Gordon-Boyle stated.
In her update, the DCMO provided a breakdown of the regional contraction, which still shows Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) in the lead with 120 cases and 14 deaths from the virus. This is followed by Region One with 102 cases, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) with 54 cases and Region Nine with 11 – all of which had one death. Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) also has three cases.
The regional hotspots are Moruca and Mabaruma in Region One; Aranka, Bartica and Sulphur Rose in Region Seven; Itabac and Mahdia in Region Eight; and Lethem in Region Nine. To this, the senior health official informed, “The Ministry has been intensifying its efforts in the hinterland region, recognising that our vast stretch of borders leaves our residents in those bordering regions very vulnerable to imported cases. We also need to keep a watchful eye on our movement within and between our communities, and I am talking directly to those persons who knowingly have been close to positive persons.”
Even as health workers continue to do their job, persons were asked to cooperate by providing accurate data. She surmised that monitoring will become paramount in the coming weeks as the virus evolves. On that note, the population was reminded that the coronavirus-related measures are still in effect but those returning to their workplaces must take precautions.
“It is suggested that all workplaces appoint a focal point for COVID-19 who will be responsible for ensuring that all employees adhere to the workplace’s guidelines and that sensitisation training sessions are regularly organised for staff. These are suggested occupational safety and health measures that can be taken to protect all employees,” the DCMO explained.
She shared that schools which are scheduled to reopen for the new academic year should begin to formulate a comprehensive plan to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.
The total number of cases globally, according to the World Health Organisation, is 14,043,176 with 597,583 deaths. Regionally, it is 7,376,748 with 305,285 deaths.
Region 10 recoveries
While Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) had been battling with 11 cases of the virus, the Regional Health and Emergency Committee on Monday announced that 10 of those patients have recovered. Thus far, the region would have also recorded one death.
COVID-19 Coordinator, Dr Micheal Marks said the region does not have any active cases due to this development. He announced that 126 persons have been tested from the region as the health department continues its aggressive approaches in safeguarding residents from the dreaded disease.
Head of the RHEC, Orrin Gordon also shared that they would have advocated for persons to be tested before returning to the region, which has proved significantly important. Officials have been aggressively monitoring Linden, Kwakwani, Ituni, Mabura and Rockstone among several other high-risk areas. (G12)
To this, the senior health official informed, “The Ministry has been intensifying its efforts in the hinterland region, recognising that our vast stretch of borders leaves our residents in those bordering regions very vulnerable to imported cases. We also need to keep a watchful eye on our movement within and between our communities, and I am talking directly to those persons who knowingly have been close to positive persons.”
