…130 new cases
Nine more coronavirus-related deaths were confirmed on Saturday by the Health Ministry – an alarming increase that caused the death toll to escalate to 323.
In a statement, the Health Ministry said that the deaths occurred between April 25 and May 7. The patients were all admitted with COVID-19-like symptoms but died while receiving care at medical institutions. Samples were taken at the time of admission, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests confirmed the positive results. 
Among the deaths is a 79-year-old female from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), who died in April. Last month’s death toll has moved to 66.
The other eight deaths occurred in May, indicating that there were 22 reported deaths within the first week of this month.
Those who died included a 54-year-old male from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), a 56-year-old from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), a 57-year-old from Region Six, a 43-year-old from Region Six, a 79-year-old from Region Four, a 68-year-old from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), a 34-year-old male from Region Four and a 53-year-old male from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). 
Meanwhile, local cases continue to rise with the detection of 130 positives in one day. For May, there has been an increase of 799 cases.
Total confirmed cases are at 14,203, comprising of 7117 males and 7086 females. To date, 12,072 have recovered completely.
In the facilities, 17 patients are seeking treatment in the Intensive Care Unit, with 100 in institutional isolation and 1691 in home isolation. This translates to 1808 active cases. Additionally, 17 persons are in institutional quarantine. Guyana has tested 129,335 persons thus far.
A breakdown shows 14 new cases in Region Three, 72 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), seven in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), 10 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), 18 in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), one in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 18 in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
The confirmed cases remain at 1081 in Region One (Barima-Waini), 403 in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and 263 in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
In the new week, 60,000 Sputnik V vaccines are expected to arrive – in order to continue Guyana’s vaccination campaign. With this fourth consignment, the country would be in receipt of 198,000 shots from this State purchase. Then, another 38,000 vaccines from the COVAX facility will also arrive later this month.
Recent statistics have shown the country’s vaccination campaign exceeding 154,000 first doses and 7000 second doses. This represents over 30 per cent of the adult population.
All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 17), which are in effect until May 31, 2021. This order 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 to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.
