Healthcare professionals urge self-isolation of persons who came into contact with COVID-19 victims

In light of its first COVID-19 death, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) healthcare professionals continue to urge persons who have been in contact with persons that tested positive for COVID-19 to isolate themselves.
On Saturday visually impaired 49-year-old Sydney Trellis also called “Jacket” of Wismar Housing Scheme and Wisroc, Wismar, Linden, became the country’s latest COVID-19 death.
Trellis succumbed while being treated at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital, almost 2 weeks after being hospitalised.
According to information reaching this publication, Trellis, prior to his death, had been sick for some time before he was taken to the hospital for medical attention.
He reportedly turned up at the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) with severe respiratory complaints and was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for a higher level of care.
This publication was also reliably informed that several persons from the community would often visit and assist in caring for the man as he was unwell. His family members reside overseas.
Trellis had reportedly hosted persons from overseas at his home prior to his death. Reports are that though the man had not left his home, he had several visitors that may now be at risk.

Acting Medical Superintendent (MS) of the Linden Hospital Complex, Dr Joseph London recently indicated that those persons who would have interacted with the now deceased will be quarantined.
Guyana Times understands that several health professionals who were first in direct contact with him at the Linden Hospital Complex were sent on 14 days home isolation as a precautionary measure after he tested positive.
Dr London had indicated, however, that several of the medical staff that dealt with the now deceased at the hospital would have worn their protective personal protective equipment (PPE) gear, in accordance with standard operating procedures.
He noted too that there were reports that he had also visited at least two health centres and that the authorities are investigating to determine if the nurses and health personnel who came into contact with him were wearing protective gear, inclusive of the N95 masks.
However, a 29-year-old woman, who hails from the same community, was later tested positive for the virus and is currently hospitalised at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.
The woman, who hails from the same Wismar community, had reportedly been in contact with the now deceased. She had displayed mild symptoms including a sore throat, fever and cough.
Dr London noted that the region continues to have an aggressive approach to the disease, stressing that all required protocols and actions are being taken as they seek to protect and safeguard residents within the region. He said health officials are monitoring and evaluating, recognising the need to remain proactive so as to ensure that all remain safe within the region.
Screening has since commenced at the Amelia’s Ward and 58 Mile Police Outposts as well as at the Kwakwani Water Front.
The Upper Demerara Hospital was identified as an isolation facility and strides are currently being made in equipping the medical institution with the necessary supplies and protective gear to tackle COVID-19.