…11,191 active cases in Guyana
Local deaths from COVID-19 increased by five more on Saturday – four of whom were males. This has moved the country’s death count up to 1165 since the first death was reported in March 2020.
This data was released by the Health Ministry, showing three unvaccinated persons among the new deaths. One was partially immunised and the status of the fifth is unknown.
On January 29, a 74-year-old male from Region Four and a 68-year-old from Region Five died. Previously on January 28, three men: an 86-year-old from Region Three; a 73-year-old and 55-year-old from Region Six also succumbed.
Along with deaths, confirmed cases also took a hike to 59,450 with the detection of 471 new infections.
There are 20 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 204 in institutional isolation, 31,965 in home isolation and seven in institutional quarantine. Active cases in Guyana are pegged at 11,191.
From the 27,485 males and 31,965 females that tested positive, 47,094 have recovered completely. Guyana has conducted 504,385 tests to date.
A breakdown showed 37 new cases in Region One (Barima-Waini), 13 in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 61 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 150 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), 33 in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), 49 Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), 11 in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 33 in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), 78 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and six in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
Vaccination continues among the population, with latest figures showing 422,727 first dose uptake among the adult population or 82.4 per cent. Second doses are at 311,796 or 73.8 per cent. 
For adolescents, 22,862 or 31.3 per cent are fully vaccinated. Some 37,598 persons have returned for their booster shots.
Government started administering booster shots after studies around the world showed that the efficacy of the vaccines wanes after six months of receiving both doses.
Persons have been encouraged to take the booster dose, since protection against the disease would wane after months of complete immunisation. This month, some 18,000 new infections were reported with the rise of the Omicron variant – a percentage of which was pregnant women.
All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures, which are in effect until January 31, 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)
