44 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in 24 hours

…active cases now 268

A whopping 44 new COVID-19 cases were recorded as of Sunday – the largest increase ever witnessed in one day since the virus was detected locally back in March thus bringing the new total to 474 with 286 active cases.
A breakdown of the new cases shows that 42 are from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), which borders neighbouring Brazil while the other two are from Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
Officials have expressed worry about Region Nine since Brazil is labelled the biggest COVID-19 hotspot in South America and there are frequent illegal crossings from that country into Guyana.
The Public Health Ministry’s daily dashboard showed that the number of deaths moved to 21, with another fatality originating from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).
There are 268 persons in institutional isolation. Of that number, 38 persons are in institutional quarantine and three persons are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Meanwhile, 185 recoveries were recorded.
Thus far, a total of 4893 tests were conducted, 4419 of which returned negative results.
It was reported that Guyana ranked fifth in the Caribbean Community (Caricom), for the highest number of coronavirus cases within member states as of Saturday. This alarming trend also continues when the death rates are compared, as the country is in second place. Statistics show that Haiti has the highest number of cases, followed by Suriname (1650); Jamaica and The Bahamas.
Phase Four of the country’s reopening process commenced on Saturday. This stage remains the same as Phase Three, but places of worship are now allowed to recommence in-person worshipping, prayers, weddings and funerals in a controlled manner.
In this regard, these religious buildings are only permitted to host 25 per cent of their total capacity and the surroundings must be sanitised as soon as the services are over.
The 20:00h to 06:00h (8 pm to 6 am) curfew was extended until August 15, unless extended or amended by notice through the Public Health Minister after an assessment of the prevailing health conditions.
This is only applicable to Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Saturdays and Sundays only, while mining areas and coordinates listed in the gazette document will follow the 18:00h to 06:00h (6 pm to 6 am) curfew.
Persons are still not allowed to travel into or out of these areas without authorisation from the Ministry and it was decided that “all mining operations shall cease” – amid several calls from organisations and concerned stakeholders about the serious implications and risks.
Further, the Cheddi Jagan and Eugene F Correia International Airports shall remain closed to all international flights except for outgoing, cargo, medevac, and special authorised flights and technical stops for fuel only.
All other conditions related to public service, transportation and dining among others remain the same as previously outlined.