Guyana’s COVID-19 infections continue to plummet

– 16 new cases in 24h

The detection of positive COVID-19 cases has been on the decline in recent weeks, with just 16 new infections within a 24-hour period.
This was according to new statistics released by the Health Ministry on Saturday. Since there were no reported deaths, the death toll remains at 1223.
From 309 active cases, a total of four patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 15 in institutional isolation, and 290 in home isolation. Another 11 are in institutional quarantine. Out of the 29,020 males and 34,020 females that contracted the virus, 61,508 have recovered.
Some 545,087 COVID-19 tests have been administered since the virus was detected here.
Regionally, a breakdown of the new cases showed that one was detected in Region One (Barima-Waini); three in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); two in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); eight in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); one in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and one in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
There were no increases in the other regions.
The most recent vaccination numbers show 433,497 or 84.5 per cent of the adult population have received a first COVID vaccine dose while 330,026 or 64.3 per cent are completely immunized.
For the 12 to 17 age group, 33,661 or 46.2 per cent received a first dose of the and 24,373 or 33.4 took both doses. In terms booster doses, 51,925 persons have received their jabs.
This past week, antiviral drug Molnupiravir was approved for use in the treatment of COVID-19 cases in Guyana, targeting mainly patients with moderate symptoms to prevent the severe form from manifesting.
Produced by Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, the oral medication have proven to significantly reduced both hospitalisations and deaths. On Wednesday, the World Health Organisation updated its guidelines on COVID-19 therapeutics to include the conditional recommendation on Molnupiravir.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony had also announced that a local agency was given the greenlight to import the drug and Government would activate efforts to introduce it into the public health system.

Persons with comorbidities have been continuously asked to continue taking their respective medications or treatment to control their condition. The preventative measures and guidelines to protect against the virus must be adhered to since this category of person is at a greater risk if they contract COVID-19.
All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasises: the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand-hygiene.
If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit us at www.health.gov.gy
Globally, 438 million people have tested positive for the virus and over 5.96 million have died. In the Americas, more than 147 confirmed cases have been reported with over 2.6 million deaths.