90 new COVID-19 cases recorded

As testing increases

As Government continues with its massive testing drive across the country, the Health Ministry has reported some 90 new cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
This now takes the total number of confirmed cases in Guyana to 1,703, of which 842 are males and 861 females.
Based on the figures released on the Ministry’s COVID-19 Dashboard, there are currently 610 active cases. This includes 16 persons now housed in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) and some 594 persons in isolation; that is, 51 in institutional isolation and the remaining 543 in home isolation.
Additionally, there are now 68 persons in institutional quarantine.
Meanwhile, the COVID-19 death toll in Guyana remains at 48, while the number of persons who have recovered from the life-threatening disease has increased to 1,045 – 15 more than what was reported the previous day.
To date, the total number of persons tested for the novel coronavirus in Guyana is 10,345.
Of the 90 new cases recorded on Wednesday, 21 are from Region One (Barima-Waini); one from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); six from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 50 from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); three from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); three from Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); four from Region Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and two from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice).
The number of cases remains the same in Regions Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) at 26 and 24 respectively.
As Guyana continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, the PPP/C Government has announced a series of measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on Guyanese. These were announced as part of the 2020 Emergency Budget which was presented to the National Assembly on Wednesday.
Among measures are the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) from all medical supplies, thus guaranteeing adequate medication for patients, and essentially increasing the health standards of Guyana.
Meanwhile, in recognition of the sacrifices and hard work of frontline workers, inclusive of those healthcare workers, Government has set aside a budgetary allocation of $150 million to support these workers.
Additionally, a $25,000 grant to each Guyanese household was announced to aid in expenses, especially for those who have been severely affected by the pandemic. A number of measures were also announced to aid in the business community as well. (G8)