The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Guyana continue to climb with the country now recording new three cases, bringing its total number of novel coronavirus cases up to 97.
CMO Dr Shamdeo Persaud
This was revealed by the Public Health Ministry’s updated COVID-19 dashboard on Saturday.
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases is now 97, with the death rate remaining at 10. There are presently five persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
To date, the Ministry has tested 852 persons for the life-threatening disease of which 755 were returned as negative.
Meanwhile, a total of 35 persons have since recovered from the virus.
Currently, 52 persons are in institutional isolation while another three in quarantine.
During the daily update on Friday, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud disclosed that of all positive cases, children account for 5.4 per cent while adults make up 82 per cent and the elderly, 12.6 per cent.
According to the CMO, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) continues to be the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana, with the highest number of confirmed cases recorded in Georgetown.
Cases have been detected in Kitty, Sophia, Turkeyen, Liliendaal, Cummings Lodge and Alberttown in North Georgetown; and Bourda, Lamaha Park, South Ruimveldt and Thirst Park in South Georgetown.
On the East Coast of Demerara, positive cases were reported in Atlantic Gardens, Friendship, Golden Grove, Good Hope, Lusignan, Plaisance and Strathspey. And on the East Bank, at Diamond, Grove, Land of Canan, Providence and Timehri.
The second-highest number of coronavirus cases have been recorded in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). Only on Wednesday last, it was revealed that the region’s cases had increased to nine – recording the country’s youngest COVID-19 patient, a one-year-old toddler.
The Regional Health and Emergency Committee (RHEC) in Linden noted that six new cases were detected in the region and five of them were immediately transported to the quarantine facility in Diamond, East Bank Demerara, including the two children – the toddler and a 12-year-old girl.
The Public Health Ministry continues to plead with citizens to heed the health advisories and observe the correct hygiene measures and precautions. Citizens are also asked to always practice social distancing in the workplace, public spaces, and while using public transportation so as to reduce the spread of the coronavirus disease.
Mother’s Day
Meanwhile, as Guyanese join the world in celebrating Mother’s Day today, Persaud cautioned that the restrictions and curfew in place must still be respected.
“You are reminded that there may be persons infected with the disease but showing no symptoms. These persons are considered to be asymptomatic carriers and can pose a threat to anyone they may encounter. So, celebrate with mom but with caution. You wouldn’t want to put her health in jeopardy. So, wear your masks, observe your hand hygiene practices and have a happy and safe Mother’s Day,” he asserted.
Breaking curfew
As local authorities continue to grapple with getting persons to adhere to these guidelines, the Guyana Police Force has arrested over 40 persons for breaching the 18:00h to 6 am curfew implemented by the Public Health Ministry to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.
This was revealed by Regional Deputy Commander for Region Four, Senior Superintendent Phillip Azore during an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI).
He said the slow rate of penalisation is due to the COVID-19 restrictions in place at the courts. Presently they operate three days per week which allows for just five such cases per week.
The Guyana Police Force is reminding persons that anyone who fails to comply with any of the measures is committing an offence under Section 152 of the Public Health Ordinance and is liable on summary conviction to the penalty provided under that Section.
