Guyana records 83 new COVID-19 cases

Guyana recorded 83 COVID-19 positives as of Friday. The overall statistics has climbed to 3960 cases after 2079 males and 1881 females contracted the virus.
The Health Ministry’s dashboard showed that the death toll remained at 117.
There are 13 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after three were removed. Some 112 persons are in institutional isolation – representing an increase of 42. With 26 persons removed from home isolation, the figure now stands at 795. There are also 43 persons in institutional quarantine.
Within one day, there were 127 recoveries. In total, there are 2923 recovered cases while the active cases stand at 963.
On Friday, a breakdown showed that 36 new cases were recorded in Region One (Barima-Waini), three in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), three in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 16 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), five in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), 19 in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and one in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
The number of cases remained at 25 in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), 375 in Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 131 in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony shared during the COVID-19 update that from Nov 2-20, there will be specialised training offered by the Chilean authorities, on the management of COVID-19. This collaboration is aimed at training local healthcare workers on treating and detecting the coronavirus.
“It’s actually a very extensive course, looking at aspects of COVID-19 management so how do you detect the signs and symptoms, what to look for and then, how to do ventilatory management and other complications that would arise from COVID-19. It will be done virtually so the faculty will be in Chile,” Dr Anthony shared.
He said unless persons update their knowledge on the current circumstances and new developments, they can easily be “left behind”.
He explained that in terms of compliance with the guidelines in Guyana, markets have been singled out since these are locations where persons are complacent. This behaviour was also detected at bus parks, where constant interactions are needed to maintain adherence to the measures. For this, a tent has been permanently placed at the Stabroek Market. He said if this strategy works, it will be used in other areas.
“We also realised that at [a] lot of the minibus parks, persons are joining the bus and the operators themselves are not complying with some of the guidelines. We’re recognising that instead of going periodically, we need to have a more permanent presence,” the Minister outlined.
The older generation and persons with underlying illnesses were asked to take extra precautions since they are more vulnerable to contracting the disease. Generally, there is need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home as well as maintaining the six feet physical distance from others and practicing good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. (G12)