47 new COVID-19 cases recorded

With increased testing for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), 47 new cases were detected as of Thursday, September 10, 2020 which has brought the total to a whopping 1750. On Wednesday, 90 new cases were recorded.
Statistics from the Health Ministry’s dashboard showed a gender breakdown of 862 males and 888 females infected thus far.
There are 14 persons in the designated Intensive Care Unit (ICU) – a decrease of two. Other figures showed the number of persons in home isolation increasing from 543 to 547.
Some 51 persons are in institutional isolation – a decline of one. There are 77 individuals in institutional quarantine. From the confirmed cases, 1030 persons have recovered – an increase of 43.
Of the new cases, three were detected in Region One (Barima-Waini); 17 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 22 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); two in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and three in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
On Thursday, the number of persons tested increased to 10,459 in keeping with the Health Ministry’s mandate to increase testing.
The Department of Public Information (DPI) on Wednesday informed that Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony announced that the Government was examining the possibility of sending COVID-19 samples from Region Nine to Brazil for testing.
“We have been exploring with the Government of Brazil, and in particular the State of Roraima to be able to send our samples from Region Nine, across to Brazil for them to process them for us,” the Health Minister was quoted as saying.
Dr Anthony said Government was hoping to finalise these arrangements in a meeting with the Brazilian authorities that is set for today. These efforts will clear the existing backlog that resulted from increased testing.
Already, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has assisted to test a few hundred samples. Out of the 500 samples that were sent to CARPHA, , more than 400 have been returned, and an additional 138 were sent last Monday.
Dr Anthony further disclosed that regional and district hospitals across the country are now able to offer testing, as kits have been made available to them.
In addition, he said that they have identified other sites for COVID-19 sample collection in Region Four. These sites are located at Paradise on the East Coast of Demerara, Herstelling on the East Bank of Demerara and the Georgetown Public Hospital.