Guyanese “selfish” for not following COVID-19 guidelines – caretaker Minister

…country records 110% increase in under 1 month

Caretaker Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence on Friday lashed out at Guyanese who continue to live their lives as per normal, despite measures being instituted to protect the population in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the daily update, she stated that Guyanese should “get serious” while labelling them as “selfish”, for continuing to breach the prescribed guidelines. Lawrence argued that while Government has put enough measures in place to flatten the curve, many persons are not adhering to them.
“It’s time for us to get serious. It is unfair to those who are following the guidelines to be placed at unnecessary risk especially our health workers just because some of you don’t want to change your behaviour, you are being selfish.”
She referred to the situation as a health crisis, noting that persons should cease their continued social interactions and maintain physical distancing.
“Stop venturing out unless you must, stop the congregating in public places, stop visiting friends and family, maintain the physical distancing. You know all these guidelines, so please adhere to them so that we can get on with our lives and livelihood,” the caretaker Minister added.
Friday marked 50 days since Guyana recorded its first case of the novel coronavirus. She recalled that on day nine, when the country recorded six cases, authorities began implementing measures such as the closure of the airports.
On day 24, when there were 33 positive cases, the national curfew, rotation policy for public servants, and other measures were instituted. Those lockdown measures were set to expire on May 3 but have since been extended for another month – until June 3.
It was indicated that in less than one month, there has been a stark 110 per cent increase in the number of cases, cementing the fact that persons are failing to abide by the national lockdown regulations.
“It’s obvious that you are not taking the COVID-19 pandemic seriously. How else can we explain a 110 per cent increase in positive cases in less than a month, how else can we explain people congregating to play dominos or having a few beers on the corner, how else can we explain people visiting family and friends as normal,” Lawrence questioned.
As of Friday, Guyana recorded no new cases of COVID-19, with the cases remaining at 82. The deaths stand at nine. Some 582 persons were tested with 500 returning with negative results.
With 24 complete recoveries, 49 persons are still in institutional isolation, 17 in institutional quarantine and two in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Oncological threats
Joining the daily update was Oncology Specialist, Dr Latoya Gooding, outlining the fact that cancer patients are at serious risk, since they can contract the virus in its worst form. This, she said, can result in death.
In Guyana, cancer is already the third most common cause of death; with the most common types being breast and cervical in females and prostate in males.
“Cancer weakens your immune system by attacking the white blood cells which is your body’s first line of defence against harmful organisms such as bacteria, fungus and viruses making it easy for you to develop these diseases especially COVID-19 at this time,” she indicated.
The side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy can also weaken the immune system since red and white blood cells are affected during the killing of cancerous cells.
“Stay at home and come out only when it is absolutely necessary. If you have to come out, ensure that you wear a face mask and also avoid congregating. Wash your hands as often as you can and also ensure that you clean the surfaces in your home with an alcohol-based solution or bleach. When out in public avoid touching your face and eyes unless your hands are washed or sanitised,” she urged patients.