– death toll jumps to 1130
The Health Ministry on Saturday reported that eight persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have died, thus taking the death toll to 1130.
The deaths included five males: a 51-year-old from Region Three; a 79-year-old from Region Four; a 60-year-old from Region Three; a 65-year-old from Region Three and a 48-year-old from Region Four. 
The females were a 67-year-old from Region Three; a 28-year-old from Region One; and a 74-year-old from Region Four.
Four of these persons were unvaccinated. Two were fully vaccinated, one partially vaccinated and the status of one person is unknown. These deaths were recorded between January 20 and January 22, 2022.
However, new statistics released by the Ministry showed a whopping 957 new cases being detected in 24 hours. The total confirmed cases in the country now stands at 56,855 – 26,196 males and 30,389 females.
Statistics also showed that 16 patients are in the designated Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 13,050 are in home isolation, 177 in institutional isolation and 20 in institutional quarantine. The data showed that 42,212 patients have recovered from the life-threatening virus while 491,635 swabs were processed.
In analysing the new cases, statistics showed that 44 were detected in Region One (Barima-Waini); 31 in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); 123 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 535 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); 44 in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); 67 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); 18 in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); 60 in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); 20 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 15 in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
Meanwhile, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Friday stated that a majority of cases monitored in the facilities are people with multiple underlying illnesses or unvaccinated from the virus.
“What we’re finding is that the persons who are becoming hospitalised now, they would have a lot of comorbidities, not just one underlying illness but several underlying illnesses. We have noticed that pattern. Secondly, most of the people that are coming in the hospitals have not been vaccinated,” he had revealed.
Latest vaccination figures show that over 419,000 adults or 81.9 per cent of that cohort have received a first dose. Second doses have surpassed 307,000 or 59.9 per cent.
Meanwhile, in the 12 to 17 age category, more than 22,600 or 31 per cent are fully immunised. Booster doses have seen a significant hike with over 32,000 doses being administered. 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.
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.
