COVID-19 death toll moves to 134

…64 new cases, 11 in ICU

As of Friday, two more deaths were reported as a result of COVID-19, moving the death toll to 134.
The Health Ministry said in a statement that the latest deaths are a 56-year-old man from Region One (Barima-Waini), and a 58-year-old male from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) who succumbed at a medical facility. Less than one day ago, a 54-year-old woman from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and 74-year-old of Soesdyke Highway, Region Four, lost their lives to the life-threatening virus.
Meanwhile, 64 new cases were also reported, adding to a total of 4457 positives. This constitutes 2315 males and 2078 females.
There are 11 persons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 74 patients in institutional isolation, 770 in home isolation and 42 in institutional quarantine.
A total of 3467 recoveries were documented in the latest figures, representing 58 recovered cases in one day. However, active cases have climbed to 901.
A breakdown of new cases showed that one was detected in Region One (Barima-Waini), five in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 54 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), one in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and one in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
The cases in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) remained at 87, 32, 78, 139, and 316 respectively.
On Thursday, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony sought to point out that there is no specific drug as yet for treating COVID-19. As such, healthcare systems across many countries have been using medications which show positive results. Here in Guyana, remdesivir is used to assist critically-ill patients while some are treated with dexamethasone or other drugs.
“What one should bear in mind is that none of these medications are really specific to COVID. There is no specific drug for COVID. A lot of these medicines have been repurposed to help with the treatment of COVID. Right now globally, they’re trying to develop more specific medicines for COVID-19,” Dr Anthony said.
As it stands, the upsurge of cases in Region One, specifically the Kwebanna area, is stable through non-stop sensitisation, testing, sanitisation and treatment. The cases are now at 52 active cases and checks were done in neighbouring communities. Some positives were detected in these communities but a medical team remains on the ground to continue monitoring.
Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 10), which are in effect until November 31, 2020. This order emphasises, among other things, the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving 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 need any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.