The record of COVID-19 cases detected locally for any given day was broken on Friday when a whopping 214 new cases were detected.
New statistics released by the Health Ministry showed that to date, a total of 12,448 cases were recorded along with 277 deaths. 
The information stated that 16 patients remain in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 70 are in institutional isolation, 1466 are in home isolation and 21 in institutional quarantine. The country has seen 10,619 recoveries.
Some 114,286 individuals were tested thus far – of which the positives showed a gender breakdown of 6284 males and 6164 females.
Of the new positive cases, an alarming 95 were detected in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 41 from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); 19 from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo); 18 in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice); 12 in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); 11 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); and two in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
This week, the rising number of COVID-19 cases and death toll comes as local authorities continue to battle with a new wave of the virus that is seeing a higher number of young people contracting the virus, and infected persons becoming sicker with some requiring hospitalisation.
For April, a total of 44 persons have succumbed thus far – the highest figure ever recorded since the first case was reported in March 2020.
In fact, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony had reminded persons that in order to prevent the transmission of the deadly virus, practising social distancing by maintaining six feet; avoiding crowded environments, and masking up are necessary.
“If people are not abiding by these simple requirements, then, unfortunately, because of the virus that is circulating within the population… you would get infected. So, people need to abide by the prevention rules that we have established and I think once they do that, they are going to remain safe,” he had posited.
All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No16), which are in effect until April 30, 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.
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 on 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.
