Guyana records 44 new COVID-19 cases, active cases now stand at 812

– 400 active cases in Region 4

Another 44 COVID-19 cases were confirmed on Friday, raising the total confirmed positives to 9486. This contributed to active cases moving up to an alarming 812.
The new cases were from 593 samples that were collected and sent for testing.
The new statistics provided by the Health Ministry revealed that there are still 212 deaths – the latest of which was recorded on Thursday.
In the facilities, nine patients are now in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 45 in institutional isolation, nine in institutional quarantine and 767 in home isolation. Some 8453 of the 4874 males and 4612 females have recovered completely. To date, Guyana has tested 80,183 individuals.
A breakdown of new cases showed that 10 were detected in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 26 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); one in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); one in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); three in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and three in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
The cases in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) remain at 1025, 243, 246 and 436 respectively.
However, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Friday acknowledged the increased cases over the last two weeks, noting that it can be attributed to an increase in testing. A majority of these positives were detected in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), which has over 400 active cases presently.
“The more you test, the more you will find and I think that’s one of the phenomena that we’re seeing…To date, while overall we have about 9600 cases, we have done 81,000 tests. We have increased the amount of testing and because we have increased the testing, we are able to detect more,” he opined.
Diamond, East Bank Demerara, and Kitty, Georgetown, have seen clusters of these positives – both of which are being monitored closely. Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) is also on the radar but the cases are diffused across different areas.
“We continue to monitor and to be able, once we identify positive people, to isolate them and reduce contact with other persons and reduce the chances of spreading the infection.”
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. If persons are experiencing symptoms or have been in contact with a positive person, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.
All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 15), which are in effect until March 31, 2021. This order emphasises the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.