Guyana is nowhere near the possibility of flattening the COVID-19 curve, as seven new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases have been confirmed as of Monday.
Director of Primary Health Care Services, Dr Ertenisa Hamilton in delivering the daily briefing noted that this now brings the total number of cases to 124 cases. It also cements the fact that there is a continued contraction of the virus. “We are in our ninth week since the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed and sad to say we have not begun to slow the rate of transmission as our numbers keep climbing every week,” Dr Hamilton expressed.
In one day, 54 tests were done and from the seven that returned positive, there were six males and one female – a clear indication that the disease continues to spread predominantly among males.
So far, a total of 1218 tests were conducted and 1094 proved negative. In the COVID-19 facilities, there are 69 active cases in institutional isolation and three in the Intensive Care Unit. With 45 recoveries, the number of deaths remains at 10.
Dr Hamilton informed that the National Public Health Reference Laboratory is still working around the clock to process testing kits, and these results are all credible.
“Testing is ongoing at this facility and to date, we have had no incidence that can threaten the integrity of the results produced by the Laboratory. We applaud your outstanding efforts for making an impact in this pandemic, as we work towards containing this disease,” she said.
Director of Primary Health Care Services, Dr Ertenisa Hamilton
The Director reminded that neighbouring Brazil’s death rate has surpassed figures in Italy, France and Spain – demonstrating that threats from imported cases have increased significantly.
The health official added, “I cannot overemphasise how troubling this is for us especially as our residents in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) continue to traverse the borders without fear. Region Nine has reported only one case which was imported and with all the efforts by regional authorities, we urge the residents to comply and stop the spread of this disease in your region.”
On Monday, the Public Health Ministry launched a new communications tool, an animated episodic series titled the “Quintin Quarantine Quartet” in efforts to raise awareness.
“While most of our communication is aimed at efforts to control the spread of the disease, we recognise that the stay at home guidance has presented families with new challenges. The Quintin Quarantine Quartet explores these challenges and we hope that their honest approach to the subject would entertain while it provides coping mechanisms and strategies that families can adopt in the long periods of staying home together during this pandemic,” Dr Hamilton asserted.
Continue exercising
Meanwhile, Director of Disability and Rehabilitation, Dr Arianne Mangar also joined the briefing to share the importance of exercising during the pandemic. She sought to remind that while COVID-19 is overwhelming healthcare services, rehabilitation services are a “core component of high-value care”. For this, Guyanese were asked to get involved in some form of physical activity in helping to fight off any infection.
“We as rehabilitation professionals have a critical role to play globally, as well as in Guyana, in maintaining the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities during this coronavirus pandemic. In Guyana, we are encouraging individuals to participate in physical activity and exercise at home and in their communities — while observing all the precautions for COVID-19 such as social distancing.”
With many persons at home during the partial lockdown, Dr Mangar stated that exercises can maintain healthy organs and boost muscle and bone strength.
Exercises at home can include moderate pace walking, deep-breathing exercises, heel raises, arm circles and seated knee extensions.
She warned the elderly population to continue using their medications, always ensure that they have one month’s supply of these drugs, maintain a balanced diet and wash their hands regularly.
According to data from the World Health Organisation, there are 4,525,497 cases globally with 307,395 deaths. In the region of the Americas, the total number of cases is 1,966,932 with 118,799 deaths.
“We are in our ninth week since the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed and sad to say we have not begun to slow the rate of transmission as our numbers keep climbing every week,” Dr Hamilton expressed.
