COVID-19 cases rise to 154

…as 1 new case detected

After five days of constant statistics, Guyana has recorded one new case of the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) – moving the number of positive cases to 154.
The country’s rapture of no new cases was short-lived and adds to the evident growing curve. Through the Public Health Ministry’s dashboard on Saturday, figures show that the number of deaths remains at 12.

The total number of persons tested is 1797 with the total number of negative cases being 1643.
Another three persons have recovered, which adds to a total of 80 recoveries. Meanwhile, there are still 62 active cases in institutional isolation, three patients in the COVID Intensive Care Unit (UNIT) and; 14 persons in institutional quarantine – a decrease by nine.
Throughout the past week, residents of Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) were reminded to desist from crossing the borders as COVID-19 continues to affect Brazil, Suriname and Venezuela.
“We wish to remind the residents of Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine to desist from crossing the borders as COVID-19 continues to strike viciously and take lives in Brazil. Let us continue to pray for guidance and protection for health workers worldwide and especially our frontline workers who are heroically waging the war against COVID-19,” Director of Primary Healthcare Services, Dr Ertinesa Hamilton had urged on Tuesday.
In Brazil, authorities are battling with over 500,000 cases and more than 30,000 deaths. Crossing the borders can bring more cases into the country, some of which might go undetected.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Gordon-Boyle said on Friday that residents of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) are at an increased vulnerability to the virus, given increased cases in Venezuela. Village leaders were asked to refuse any permission to enter their communities from persons who crossed the borders.
“We are calling on the Toshaos and other authorities to ensure that residents do not cross borders and that persons from those other countries are not entering your community. Community members must report any migrant entering your community & anyone who has signs and symptoms, and immediately bring this to the attention of the health authorities,” she had explained.
Persons experiencing the signs and symptoms associated with the disease are asked to contact the hotline or the closest health facility to access the necessary services. The same is being asked of persons who have been in contact with a positive case.
Globally the total number of cases stand at 6,535,354 with 387,155 deaths. In the Region of the Americas, there are 3,084,517 cases with 172,276 deaths.