…11 in ICU, active cases down to 1159
Five elderly persons have died from the novel coronavirus in Guyana, the Health Ministry reported on Friday. The country’s death toll has moved to a whopping 1208. 
Those who succumbed included four females: an 87-year-old from Region Six; an 82-year-old from Region Four; a 72-year-old from Region Three; and an 81-year-old from Region Four. The fifth fatality is an 87-year-old male from Region Four.
Three of these persons were unvaccinated while the status of the other two is unknown. These deaths were reported between February 15 and February 18, 2022.
An updated dashboard showed 48 new cases, propelling confirmed cases to 62,585 – 20,808 males and 33,777 females. With 864 patients in home isolation, 77 are still in institutional isolation and 13 in institutional quarantine. Some 60,425 persons have since recovered.
From the 1159 active infections in the country, 81 persons are hospitalised. This includes 61 cases at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Eleven persons are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
A breakdown of new infections resulted in eight for Region One (Barima-Waini), three in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), seven in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), three in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), six in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), seven in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), three in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), three in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and six in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
There was no increase for Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
In taking measures to educate all cross sections of people on their risks against COVID-19, persons living with Down’s Syndrome are asked to take precautions by getting immunised.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony outlined these persons are typically battling several comorbidities and as a result, their risk of developing a severe form of COVID increases.
Recognising that persons under the age of 12 cannot be vaccinated owing to unavailability of the required vaccines, he urged the eligible persons to get immunised and if they are vaccinated, to take the booster shot.
All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures, which are in effect until February 28, 2022. This order emphasises the need for everyone, 12 years and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19; the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy (G12)
