…35 new cases detected in 24h
The Health Ministry on Tuesday reported that a 9-month-old boy from Region Six is among six persons who succumbed to the deadly COVID-19, thus taking the death toll to 1039.
The Ministry stated that an 82-year-old man and an 80-year-old man died on December 10. They both hailed from Region Six.
Then on December 20, a 69-year-old man from Region Six, a 71-year-old man from Region Three and a 60-year-old woman from Region Four also died. Following the death of the six persons, the Ministry offered sincere condolences to the families. In addition, the Ministry has been in contact with them to ensure they are safe from the virus.
However, new statistics released showed that 35 new cases were detected in one day, thus bringing the total confirmed cases in the country to 38,926.
There are eight patients in the designated Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 671 in home isolation, 35 in institutional isolation and two in institutional quarantine. The data showed that 37,173 patients have recovered from the life-threatening virus while 414,041 tests were conducted.
An analysis of the new cases showed that three were reported in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 14 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); 12 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); two in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); two in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and two in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
No new cases were reported in Regions One (Barima-Waini); Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Five (Mahaica-Berbice), and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
Presently, the Ministry is monitoring 761 active cases. There is a hospitalisation rate of 38 – 28 of which are at the Infectious Diseases Hospital. Eight are seeking treatment in the Intensive Care Unit of that facility and five are on ventilators.
Vaccination statistics have shown that 79.8 per cent of adults have taken the first dose, representing 409,254 persons. For second doses, 56.8 per cent or 291,473 persons are completely immunized.
A regional first dose coverage shows 85.2 per for Region One, 63.9 per cent for Region Two, 76.8 per cent for Region Three, 89.6 per cent for Region Four, 79 per cent for Region Five, 78.8 per cent for Region Six, 81.8 per cent for Region Seven, 51.3 per cent for Region Eight, 76.1 per cent for Region Nine and 39.1 per cent for Region 10.
“From these numbers, looking at our first dose, we would see that Region 10 remains extremely low at 39.1 per cent and Region Eight at 51.3 per cent, followed by Region Two at 63.9 per cent. These are relatively low numbers and it is even low when we look at the second dose because they’re all really lagging behind. So, we want to encourage those persons who have not come out to get their vaccines as yet to make sure they come out and start the process,” Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony outlined in Tuesday’s COVID update.
The Minister is urging persons to return for their booter shot, which he detailed will protect against the new Omicron variant that is making waves in the pandemic.
“In light of the looming threat of omicron, which is now in about 89 countries, we have to take precautions and get ourselves protected. Therefore, we are encouraging everyone who is eligible for that booster dose to ensure that they come and get that booster dose. if you get infected, this will help you to protect yourself. More than likely, you will get a milder form of the infection and at least, you won’t get hospitalised or die from COVID.”
All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 24), which are in effect until December 31, 2021. 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
