Within the past weeks, the active cases of COVID-19 have been relatively declining in Guyana, as the figure stands at just over 1300.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony identified this trend during Tuesday’s coronavirus briefing, noting that there is continuous monitoring of all persons who would have tested positive. Since March 2020, over 20,000 positive cases of the virus were detected locally – 1321 of which remain active.
The criteria used for discharging patients are based on guidelines set out by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
“Looking at the numbers of the past couple of weeks, we would have seen a relative decline in the number of active cases…We would monitor people for approximately 10 days or so and once the two last days, they haven’t shown any signs or symptoms, then we’re able to discharge them. Using this WHO criteria, we have been able to discharge people.
Presently, there are a few hotspots across the country, particularly in Region Nine where spikes were reported across a few communities.
Locations being monitored include Sister’s Village in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) with 20 cases, Sophia in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) with 20 cases and New Amsterdam in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) with 32 cases. Over in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) – which has seen a large spike, there are 39 cases in St Ignatius, 33 in Lethem, 19 in Tapachinga. Over in Wismar and Mabura in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), there are 17 cases each.
The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. According to the WHO, most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
Most common symptoms include fever, dry cough and tiredness but can include aches and pains, sore throat, diarrhoea, conjunctivitis, headache, loss of taste or smell; and rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes.
The severe form can result in difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure and loss of speech or movement.
“Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms. Always call before visiting your doctor or health facility. People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home. On average it takes four to five days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however, it can take up to 14 days,” the organisation advised.
On Monday, it was revealed that two of the children who were initially hospitalised due to the coronavirus have since been discharged. However, four are in the hospital – two of whom are seeking intensive care. All of these children have some form of comorbidity or an underlying condition.
Across Guyana, 57 persons are hospitalised after they would have contracted the virus – of which 11 are at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. (G12)
