Guyana has recorded six new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in the country up to 63.
This was revealed by caretaker Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence during her daily update on Friday.
While there was an increase in confirmed cases, the number of COVID-19 deaths in Guyana remains at six.
According to Lawrence, of the 63 positive coronavirus cases, four of them are imported and the other 59 persons contracted the deadly disease here.
Guyana’s first COVID-19 case was a 52-year-old woman who died days after returning from New York. She is considered an imported case and is l
isted as a ‘patient zero’.
Meanwhile, the Minister noted that there are now four persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
Additionally, 15 persons are currently in institutional quarantine while there are now 48 persons in isolation.
The Minister added that a total of 283 persons have been tested since February 26. Of these, 220 persons have tested negative and nine persons have recovered thus far. At least five of these recovered persons are relatives of patient zero, who were placed in isolation and were treated after also testing positive for the deadly virus.
According to Lawrence, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) continues to record most of the confirmed cases with 87.7 per cent – most of which is from Georgetown.
She added that the 30-49 age group accounts for the highest number of positive cases, with a 4:1 ratio of males to females.
“Contacts of the persons tested positive based on information received and self-reporting are a part of our COVID-19 surveillance follow-up,” Lawrence noted.
She went on to highlight the fact that Guyana’s COVID-19 numbers are climbing rapidly with 18 new cases for this week alone. The Minister implored persons to adhere to the curfew and restrictions put in place to curb the spread of the life-threatening disease.
“Eighteen positive cases my friends, in one week… I hope by now that you understand the reasons for the widespread message of staying at home and maintaining your distance. Stay at home means you do not go out of your yard to visit with family – brother, sister, grandmother etc – nor even your partner if you are not already living together,” she added.
The Minister cautioned against liming in front of residences or on the road, not even stopping to have a conversation. Going to the supermarket or the gas station just to window shop should also be avoided.
“Please note that our COVID-19 numbers will increase or stabilise depending on your daily behaviour. The more responsible you are and comply with the guidelines, the faster we will be able to flatten the curve and stop the spread of the coronavirus disease in our country,” Lawrence said during her update on Friday.
The COVID-19 hotline continues to be available to persons with suspected symptoms. Calls to these hotlines have now reached 2103. Persons can also use the COVID-19 app as well as the hotline in their region to seek information on this disease.
