COVID pandemic: “We must not let down our guard in 2022” – Health Minister

…178 new cases, 2 new deaths reported in 1 day

As the new year breaks, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has called on Guyanese to remain vigilant and practice all measures intended to keep them safe from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
During his last briefing for 2021 on Friday, an appeal was made for the population not to let their guard down when it comes to recommended measures and guidelines to be followed.
“We must not let down our guard. We should keep social distancing, sanitise our hands and wear masks as we’re in enclosed environments. If we don’t do that, there is always the possibility of getting infected. If we comply with the rules and do it diligently, then I’m sure you will be protected,” Dr Anthony highlighted.
The Health Minister further stated that if persons entertain only their close circle and are mindful of how the virus is spread, it can curtail some of the infections expected after the holiday season is over.
He added, “It is for your protection that those rules are there. One of the ways of at least trying to be safe is to make sure you’re in a space that is very ventilated, and of course, preferably for persons to wear their masks. If not, we are going to see a lot of cases.”
He reiterated that Guyanese should behave responsibly. If not, persons can easily get infected and challenge the healthcare system. Meanwhile, healthcare workers were lauded for their efforts over the past year to diagnose, treat and maintain balance throughout the pandemic. It has been almost two years since the virus was detected here in March 2020.
“During the year, we have had many cases. We have done a lot of tests to detect these cases and we have been able to treat many patients. Because of the way that our healthcare workers performed during the year, most of the patients who were affected by COVID, about 95 per cent of them were able to recover. I want to thank them for all the hard work they would have done, the sacrifices they would have made.”

New cases, deaths
Meanwhile, new statistics provided by the Ministry related that the COVID-19 death toll climbed to 1054 with two more fatalities. This includes a 72-year-old female from Region Four who dies on December 30; and a 60-year-old male from Region Six who died on December 29.
While infections and active cases were relatively low, there was a spike on Wednesday. This hike is occurring in all regions. As of Friday, there were 178 new infections which moved confirmed cases to 39,573.
Apart from high active cases in Region Four, hotspots include Providence, Eccles, Diamond, South Ruimveldt, Campbellville, New Amsterdam, Lethem, Wismar among others.
“We have to be very careful because the doubling time is much shorter with these cases. Unfortunately, if this trend continues, we have to brace ourselves for many, many more cases,” the Health Minister warned.
Additional statistics showed that there are currently 34 persons in hospital – 21 of which are at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. The health system is being bolstered to take care of a surge.
Six persons are in the Intensive Care Unit, 37 in institutional isolation, 850 in home isolation, and five in institutional quarantine.
An analysis showed three new cases in Region One (Barima-Waini); two in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); 13 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 113 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); one in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); 27 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); nine in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
There were no increases in Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
Vaccination coverage showed 411,081 persons or 80.1 per cent of adults taking a first dose vaccine and 295,325 or 57.6 per cent returning for second doses. Booster doses made a “modest” jump to 11,813 jabs. Meanwhile, just over 29 per cent of children between the ages of 12 to 17 are completely immunised.