Out of 44 tests that were conducted in the last 24 hours, Guyana has recorded two new COVID-19 cases bringing the total number of cases to 158 thus far.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud
As of Wednesday, the statistics remained at 156, the same as the previous day, but that number climbed by two on Thursday. Nevertheless, COVID-19 deaths remain at 12.
To date, the total number of persons tested is 1920 with the number of negative results being 1762. Currently, 92 persons have recovered, 54 active cases are in institutional isolation, one patient is in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 22 persons are in institutional quarantine.
Giving an update, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud focused on the reopening of schools on Monday, when students would be prepared for the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams in July and August.
Parents are asked to teach their children the proper way to wear a face mask, practise the handwashing techniques recommended, and 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 advised.
A mask, if worn incorrectly, can also put persons at risk of contracting the virus. Dr Persaud advised that if a mask is to be taken off to eat, it should be placed in a ziploc bag until it is to be worn again.
“Remind them to wash hands properly, and as soon as they have finished, to put on the mask again. Parents, you can give them an extra mask, just in case the one they are wearing falls or becomes soiled. Remind them to wash hands after using the restroom and not to play around that area, but to return immediately to their classroom.”
Parents/guardians are asked to provide their children with their own sanitisers and alcohol-based wipes to be used as often as possible.
He further added, “Most importantly, let them understand that things are going to be different at school because of the virus; you have to give them the mental support because you know how challenging preparing for the Grade Six Assessment can be.”
Guyanese are still encouraged to use the mobile units or visit one of the COVID-19 facilities if they are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 or if they have been in contact with someone who tested positive.
Globally, the total number of cases is 7,145,539, with 408, 025 deaths. In the Region of the Americas, the total number of positive cases is 3, 415,174 with 185, 863 deaths.
