Guyana records 25 new COVID-19 cases from 835 tests

Guyana has recorded 25 new COVID-19 cases from a total of 835 tests that were conducted, thus bringing the number of positives to 8452.
With 190 reported deaths, nine patients are seeking treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). There are 39 persons in institutional isolation, 406 in home isolation and 10 in institutional quarantine.
The country has seen a total of 7808 recoveries. Meanwhile, Guyana has tested 61,562 persons thus far, with 4376 males and 4076 females turning up positive.
A breakdown of the new cases showed that eight were detected in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 14 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); one in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); one in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and one in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
Cases in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) remain at 1019, 234, 245, 415 and 646 respectively.
Guyanese have been asked continuously to follow the outlined national measures, which were implemented by Government to curtail widespread infection.
While some may experience little to no symptoms, others can contract the worse form of the virus that lingers months after recovery. Data shows that the infection can affect the brain, digestive system, respiratory system, kidneys and skin.
Symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, cough, tiredness, diarrhoea, pains, sore throat and loss of taste or smell. The more serious symptoms are difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain and loss of speech or movement.
The World Health Organisation has pointed out, “For some people, some symptoms may linger or recur for weeks or months following initial recovery. This can also happen in people with mild disease. People are not infectious to others during this time. Some patients develop medical complications that may have lasting health effects.”
Additionally, older persons have been succumbing to the virus since comorbidities increase the risk of developing a worse form of the virus. Persons in this bracket have been asked to continue taking their respective medications or treatment to control their condition. Next, the preventative measures and guidelines to protect against the virus must be adhered to.
As it is, persons entering Guyana are required to have a negative PCR test taken within seven days prior to their arrival. Persons with tests done within one to three days upon their arrival will not be subjected to any further health checks, however, those with tests that were completed within four to seven days prior to their arrival will be subjected to a PCR test at the airport here before being allowed to exit the building.
Last week, it was reported that there were instances of people falsifying their COVID tests to enter Guyana. Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony had said there has not been any such specific cases for persons leaving the country.
Nevertheless, he cautioned that those found culpable of committing this act will be prosecuted by the Police. He further urged persons to check which labs have been certified in Guyana to conduct these COVID tests.
If persons are experiencing symptoms or have been in contact with a positive person, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.