End discrimination against victims, health workers – COVID-19 survivor

…declared free of coronavirus after 49 days in isolation

By Jarryl Bryan

Ethnic Relations Commissioner Neaz Subhan, previously in isolation for 49 days after he tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), was finally discharged from the hospital on Sunday. He is now giving thanks while using his experience to inspire others as they face down the COVID-19 pandemic.

Subhan was first diagnosed with COVID-19 back in March. He has since spent that time in isolation at various facilities and even a brief stint in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), during which time he was in a critical condition.
Today, Subhan is free of the virus and in high praise of the healthcare workers at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he spent the bulk of his isolation.
He credited the healthcare workers and treatment, as well as prayers and good nutrition, for his recovery. In a statement, however, Subhan was critical of the fact that some do not seem to be taking adequate precautions.
“While, inexplicably, many here may seem oblivious of the crippling effects this pandemic has on affected individuals, their families, communities and the country as a whole, I saw firsthand.”
“Therefore, I respectfully believe I am in a better position to offer related advice on the need for all to heed the advisories and take maximum precaution to help stop the spread of COVID-19,” he said in the statement.
The ERC Commissioner also expressed regret that COVID-19 in Guyana has led to cases of discrimination against victims, their families and even healthcare workers on the frontlines.
Subhan reminded that the virus does not discriminate based on ethnicity, sex, politics, religion or social status. He urged that the scourge of discrimination be confronted through sustained education on all fronts.
“Unfortunately, and inevitably, COVID-19 has attracted unnecessary stigmatisation for both patients and their families. Sadly, it has even extended to healthcare workers with some refused accessed to public transportation as one manifestation.”
“This must be confronted through sustained education from all possible fronts… I will endeavour to do my best to aid in awareness for prevention and for the removal of stigmatisation. I remain available to participate in any related effort,” he added.

How he became infected
It is still a mystery exactly how Subhan, who spent his 53rd birthday in isolation, got infected. In a telephone interview with this publication, he recalled that while he did not do any travelling at the time, he was doing election-related work.
“That’s still a mystery to me. I don’t know where – I really cannot say. But I didn’t travel for sure. And I knowingly did not come into contact with anyone who’s known to be positive.”
Subhan also urged persons to take the warnings from the Public Health Ministry and other health officials, seriously. Recalling the difficulties he faced in isolation, the ERC Commissioner was at a loss to say why persons would willfully disregard health guidelines.
He cited the fact that he spent 49 days in quarantine, while others are known to have spent longer. In addition, he pointed out the deadly and highly contagious nature of the virus wreaking havoc all around the world and in nearby Brazil.
“I’m not here to tell people how to live their lives. But I’m here to tell people that if you don’t be careful, you’re putting yourself at risk of contracting the virus.”
“And if you’re unfortunate enough to contract it, you will be quarantined. And when you take risks, you’re also putting your family at risk. And you’re putting other people at risk,” he said.
As of May 18, 2020, Guyana recorded 124 cases of coronavirus. This means that there were seven new cases within the space of a day. There was a total of 1218 tests done, with 69 persons in institutional isolation and six in institutional quarantine. Guyana has seen a total of 10 deaths but 45 recoveries including Subhan.