In the past 24 hours, Guyana conducted seven new tests for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), one of which returned positive.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Shamdeo Persaud on Friday indicated that the number of cases continues to rise, thus bringing the total to 159 overall with 12 deaths.
To date, the total number of persons tested is 1,927, with the 1768 negative cases. Currently, 95 persons have recovered, 52 active cases are in institutional isolation, one patient is in the COVID ICU, and 22 persons are in institutional quarantine.
Dr Persaud is urging teachers and auxiliary employees that as students prepare to return to school on Monday, they be provided all necessary support during class sessions, and be assisted with mental health issues they might face during the pandemic.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud
“To you, our teachers: The Ministry of Public Health wishes to thank you for responding to the call, during this COVID-19 pandemic, to assist in preparing our nation’s children for this important exam. Teachers, your role is to reinforce the health guidelines which I discussed at yesterday’s briefing. Please remember that the students will be looking to you for guidance, so please provide it at all times. This is a new situation for all of you, you have to give them the mental support, and help them with this challenging situation,” Dr Persaud highlighted.
Auxiliary workers were asked to ensure that the surroundings are kept clean and an adequate supply of water be available for handwashing and other activities. They were also asked to be on the lookout for any loitering.
“Auxiliary workers, please ensure that the rest room area is kept clean, with water available for kids to flush toilets after they use them, and (for them) to wash their hands. I wish to remind you, too, to keep an eye on those students who may want to loiter in the area; just make sure that they wash their hands and go back immediately to their classroom,” the CMO advised.
Advice for parents
On Thursday, parents were asked to teach their children how to wear a mask correctly, how to practise the handwashing techniques recommended, and to educate them on the dynamics of social distancing.
“Parents, I wish to remind you that you must have the conversation with your young ones about the health guidelines that must be followed during the time they will be at school, so that they can be safe from contracting the coronavirus disease…Please show them step by step how to put on the mask and to wear it appropriately. Remind them not to touch the front of the mask, and to use the straps to remove it when taking a snack,” he was quoted in Thursday’s update.
A mask, if worn incorrectly, can also put persons at risk of contracting the virus. He advised that if a mask is to be taken off, for example when the wearer wants to eat, it should be placed in a Ziploc bag until it is to be worn again.
Globally, the total number of cases is 7,273,958, with 413,372 deaths. In the Region of the Americas, the total number of positive cases is 3,485,245, with 189,544 deaths.
