70 new COVID-19 cases recorded

The Health Ministry on Saturday announced that 70 new cases of the coronavirus had been recorded within 24 hours in Guyana. This takes the total number of positive cases recorded to 4794. However, of this amount, 3725 persons have recovered from the virus.
According to the Health Ministry’s report, there are currently nine persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit, while the death toll remains at 138. There are also 48 persons in institutional isolation and 874 in home isolation. On the other hand, there are 36 persons in institutional quarantine.
Of the new cases, seven were recorded in Region One (Barima-Waini), Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) recorded two new cases, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) recorded one new case, and Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) recorded 48 cases.
Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) recorded one new case, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) recorded five new cases, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) saw three cases and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) recorded three new cases.
The Health Ministry continues to urge all Guyanese to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures, which will guarantee the safety of all.
Persons are asked to implement the consistent use of face masks when leaving their homes. Also, they are asked to pay keen attention to 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.
Persons displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or in need of any additional information are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.

Diabetes and COVID-19
Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony in his World Diabetes Day message on Saturday said people with diabetes are paying a particularly high price as they are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease and death.
Here in Guyana, he said, the experience has been the same and he extended condolences to all those families who have lost loved ones along the way, many of them with diabetes as a pre-existing condition.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is testing all of us, but nurses are on the front line. They are working tirelessly in our hospitals and health centres and right across all circumstances in our ten administrative regions to keep our communities safe,” the Health Minister added.
He urged persons with diabetes to learn more about the disease and how it can impact their lives.
“For people living with diabetes, always remember that our nurses are a crucial part of your healthcare team. They provide you with ongoing self-management support and education, and they also help to ensure you have the appropriate screening and treatment to prevent complications in the future.”