COVID-19 death toll surpasses 1000

…active cases dominant in Regions 3, 4, 6

Since March 2020 to present, 1001 persons in Guyana have died after contracting the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

This was announced by the Health Ministry, with the announcement of three more deaths as of Friday. The deaths were all males – two of whom were fully vaccinated while the third was unvaccinated.

They included a 65-year-old from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), who died on December 3; a 59-year-old from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), who died on December 2; and a 70-year-old from Region 10, who died on November 30.

In one day, an additional 41 persons tested positive, leading confirmed cases to 38,068.

There are 17 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 63 in institutional isolation and 963 in home isolation. No one is in institutional quarantine. Since the pandemic, 394,277 tests were conducted – of which 17,942 males and 20,126 females contracted the virus.

Meanwhile, a regional breakdown of new cases showed three in Region One (Barima-Waini); two in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); four in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 16 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); six in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); four in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and six in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

There were no increases in Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Active cases

There are 1177 active cases – 519 of which are from Region Four, 248 in Region Six and 207 in Region Three. Some 64 persons are hospitalised with a majority 50 at the Infectious Diseases Hospital.

Latest vaccination figures suggest that Guyana has seen 736,444 doses of COVID vaccines being administered. For adults, 402,751 doses or 78.5 per cent have taken a first dose; while second doses account for 281,455 or 54.9 per cent.

In terms of children aged 12 to 17, some 29,382 first doses and 20,581 second doses have been distributed. Booster jabs account for 2274 of the total number.

“From the time we started, this number has been growing constantly. I want to encourage persons who require a booster to come and get their booster shot,” Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony appealed to Guyanese.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need 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.

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene. (G12)