Guyana records 35 new COVID-19 cases

– another death reported
– Region 5 records 1st case

The Public Health Ministry on Sunday announced that it has recorded 35 new cases of COVID-19 with one related death. The total number of infected persons now stands at 709 with 23 deaths.
A breakdown showed that there are 59 persons are in institutional isolation, 71 in institutional quarantine and 275 under home isolation. Three persons are also in the designated Intensive Care Unit (ICU). In one day, there were 39 recoveries and those added to the total figure of 349.
Of the 35 cases recorded on Sunday, two were from Region One (Barima-Waini); five in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); six in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); one in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); 11 in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); six in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo); and four in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
To date, health authorities have conducted tests on 6046 persons.
With respect to the COVID-19 related death, the victim was identified as 73-year-old Wilfred James, a resident of the East Bank of Demerara (ECD). He was reportedly a patent of the Georgetown Public Hospital for a week and succumbed while receiving treatment in the ICU.
The last COVID-19 death was that of Norbert Grant, 79, of Beterverwagting on the East Coast of Demerara. He also had succumbed after battling with the virus in the ICU of the Georgetown Public Hospital.
At that time, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud had shared the view that there should be no complacency and a laissez-faire attitude coming from the population. According to him, misconceptions about COVID-19 persist – including that the disease does not exist, that wearing a mask causes the disease and even suggestions that testing brings about the disease.
“We need to dispel these myths if we are going to break the back of the camel; not only in Regions Seven and Nine, but in every community. This is the only way that we can be supportive of the selfless efforts of the health workers on the frontline who are risking their lives to prevent the further transmission of the raging coronavirus disease,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, the Regional Democratic Council of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) has recorded its first COVID-19 case and such, urged the people of that region to follow the guidelines set out by the Public Health Ministry.
In a post on its Facebook page, the regional authorities reminded youths that they are not invincible and can contract the virus at any time, hence urging them not to gather in public places and to ensure they wear a face mask.
“Young people can end up in ICU and young people can die from COVID-19. Do not take it lightly. Going out and congregating is taking a huge risk. Ask yourself if your life and that of your family is worth it,” the RDC added.
Persons are asked to continue to wear masks, practice social distancing and continue their sanitary practices to curtail any possible spread. Those experiencing symptoms are asked to get tested for COVID-19.