…only fully-vaccinated persons will be allowed into Guyana from December
With six more persons succumbing to the novel coronavirus, Guyana’s death toll has taken a hike to 951.
Three of them were unvaccinated while the vaccination status of the others is unknown. One of the deaths was recorded on September 30 – a 64-year-old female from Region Four.
A 102-year-old female from Region Five (Demerara-Mahaica) died on October 3 while a 26-year-old female from Region Three died on October 30.
As of November 4, a 43-year-old male from Region Four also succumbed. Meanwhile, two females from Region Four – aged 49 and 69 – succumbed on November 6 and November 8, respectively.
The country has seen 48 new cases of the virus, taking the total positives recorded to date to 36,305. Along with 17 persons in the ICU, 59 are in institutional isolation, 2284 in home isolation and five in institutional quarantine. Recoveries are now at 33,053.
Regionally, there were two new cases Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), five in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 24 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), 13 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), and two in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
Cases in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) did not increase.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has cautioned that persons who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will not be allowed into the country after November.
Speaking during the latest COVID-19 update, it was reminded that Government has allowed a grace period of up to November 30, which will allow persons to return from overseas.
However, after this has been expended, those who are partially vaccinated cannot enter the country.
“There are some Guyanese who only took one of the doses. Some of them took the dose and they have travelled abroad. To get back into the country would have posed a difficulty. We have given them a limited period. If they only have one dose, they have until the end of November and they will be allowed to return to Guyana with that one dose. Then they would get their second dose here. After the end of November, the mandate would be fully implemented so unless you’re fully vaccinated, you’re not going to be allowed into Guyana,” said Dr Anthony.
Since the beginning of November, the vaccinated status of a person was changed to reflect complete immunisation against the virus.
Any mix-and-match combination of approved vaccines administered at seventeen days apart will be accepted. Fully vaccinated also includes persons who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus fourteen days to three months ago.
Before travelling to Guyana, there must be proof of full vaccination and a negative SARS-CoV-2 antigen test or a negative SARs-Cov-2 PCR test, not older than 72 hours. Children under two years of age are not required to be tested.
Passengers who are advised against being vaccinated for medical reasons must present a “Letter of Exemption” from a licensed medical practitioner.
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
All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasise 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. (G12)
