Almost 98% of COVID-19 cases recovered

…9 new positive cases recorded

Recovered cases of COVID-19 in Guyana account for 61,962 of the 63,267 confirmed cases thus far, representing a 97.9 per cent recovery rate.
The Health Ministry on Saturday posted its updated dashboard, which showed deaths remaining at 1226.
There were nine new cases, contributing to a total of 79 active cases. An analysis shows a spread between Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica).
Statistics show that four persons are in the Intensive Care Unit, seven in institutional isolation, 68 in home isolation and 10 in institutional quarantine. Guyana has facilitated 571,320 tests, of which 29,134 males and 34,133 females have tested positive.
Latest vaccination statistics indicate that 438,224 persons or 85.4 per cent of the adult population have taken a first dose while second doses account for 336,871 or 65.7 per cent.
For the 12 to 17 group, 34,309 first doses and 25,008 second doses have been administered. This is equivalent to 47 per cent and 34.3 per cent, respectively. This group has been lagging behind, as calls continue for parents to give consent for their children to take the shots. Some 58,340 persons have taken a booster shot.
This week, authorities announced that the possibility of offering a fourth dose is being mulled. Additionally, Government is looking at introducing booster shots for the 12 to 17 age group. After deliberations, it will be determined whether the Health Ministry will move forward with this plan.
A new strain of the Omicron variant, BA.2 has been circulating in other countries. While it has not been detected locally, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony cautioned that unvaccinated persons and those whose immunity has waned will be challenged.
Persons with comorbidities have been continuously asked to continue taking their respective medications or treatment to control their condition. The preventative measures and guidelines to protect against the virus must be adhered to since this category of person is at a greater risk if they contract 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.
Globally, over 485 million people have tested positive for the virus and 6.1 million have died. In the Americas, more than 150 million confirmed cases have been reported with over 2.69 million deaths. (G12)