66 new COVID-19 cases recorded

The Health Ministry has announced an increase of 66 new COVID-19 cases as of Saturday, adding to a total figure of 2168. On Friday, the country had seen an increase of 75 cases. 
The updated dashboard showed that 1080 men and 1088 women were infected from the virus thus far. The death toll remains at 64 while one person was removed from the Intensive Care Unit – resulting in 15 patients.
There are 676 individuals on home isolation and 82 in institutional isolation. There was a decline of 27 patients in institutional quarantine as figures dropped to 86. From the confirmed cases, 1331 persons have recovered – an increase of 14.
The Ministry’s regional breakdown showed that 11 new cases were detected in Region One (Barima-Waini), six in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 42 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), one in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), two in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and four in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
There were no increases in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), with positives remaining at 27, 13, 31 and 34 respectively.
The Ministry had informed on Friday that two other persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) would have succumbed, raising the number of deaths from the pandemic to 64.
The latest fatalities were a 71 -year-old male from Region One (Barima-Waini) who died while receiving care at the designated medical facility; and a 63-year-old man from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). Samples were collected from both at the time of admission and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19. Officials of the Ministry have contacted relatives and persons who may have been exposed to the now-dead persons to facilitate contact tracing and rapid assistance.
For the week, Guyana had recorded eight deaths from the novel coronavirus. On Thursday, the Health Ministry announced that the death toll rose to 62. The first fatality was an 83-year-old woman and a 52-year-old man from Region Four. On Wednesday, two women from Region One were the reported fatalities. They were an 80-year-old woman and a 63-year-old woman, who was later identified as Phyllis Chacon. Previously on Tuesday, a 75-year-old male from Region Four and an 86-year-old woman from Region One died while receiving medical care at the facility.
President Irfaan Ali had announced that his Administration is in the process of securing US$60 million to fund various aspects of its response to the virus. According to the Head of State, the funds are being sourced from various international development partners including the World Bank, IDB and the Islamic Development Bank.
The Head of State noted that since taking office, his Government has brought together all the stakeholders to address the COVID-19 pandemic in a holistic manner. The President announced a range of measures to bring relief to families and businesses, noting that his Administration is focused on delivering an all-encompassing plan which will also take the health and safety of all citizens very seriously.
If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information kindly contact the COVID-19 hotline 231 1166, 226 7480 or 624 6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy. (G12)