No new cases as 34 more persons tested for COVID-19

Having recorded 16 new COVID-19 cases thus far this week, the Public Health Ministry on Wednesday said no new cases have been confirmed since its last report on the previous day.

Delivering the ministry’s daily update, Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO) Dr Karen Gordon-Boyle said the number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in the country remains at 113 – the same as reported on Tuesday.
This, she noted, is despite an additional 34 persons being tested within the last 24 hours – all of whom were negative.
To date, the Ministry has tested a total of 1020 persons, with 907 of them being negative.
While the COVID-19 death rate remains at 10, the number of persons who have recovered from the life-threatening disease has increased by two, bringing the total number of recovered patients to 41.
According to Dr Gordon-Boyle, there are currently five persons in institutional quarantine and some 62 in institutional isolation.
Meanwhile, the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) now has three patients admitted there. On Tuesday, the DCMO had reported that six persons were in the dedicated ICU, one of whom was intubated.
With the deadly coronavirus now present in seven of Guyana’s 10 administrative regions, Dr Gordon-Boyle underscored the importance of persons adhering to the restrictions in place to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.
“This is the situation that we were trying to avoid when we instituted the guidelines with the clear understanding that limiting the spread of this disease to as few regions as possible would have guaranteed us a quicker resolution. With this new development, our only hope is that you, our citizens, finally realise that unless you act responsibly, our health system is at risk of becoming overburdened with COVID-19 cases,” she stated.
The DCMO pointed out that many countries that have managed to slow the rate of infection and contain this disease have done so by either forceful measures or the disciplined participation of their citizens to join forces with the Government.
Those citizens, she explained, would have: stayed at home when they were advised to; maintained the physical distancing in public spaces; washed their hands before eating, touching their faces, or engaging in activities with others; cleaned surfaces in their homes and places of work as often as possible; and reached out for medical attention when unwell, or if they were knowingly in contact with a positive case.
“I can assure you that though these guidelines may seem simple and imposing, they worked,” she contended.
Dr Gordon-Boyle further noted that the reality facing the United States of America, Italy, China and Brazil may become the new reality for Guyana if persons do not adhere to these guidelines.
Turning her attention to neighbouring Brazil, the DCMO said the Portuguese-speaking nation continues to have an increase in cases as well as deaths. In just 24 hours, Brazil has recorded its highest daily rise in the number of deaths from the coronavirus, with some 881 new fatalities being recorded on Tuesday. Health officials say that country’s total death toll now stands at 12,400.
According to Dr Gordon-Boyle, this alarming situation increases the risk for Guyana, because of the constant unofficial cross-border travel. On Monday, it was reported that Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Essequibo), which borders Brazil, had recorded its first COVID-19 case.
Dr Gordon-Boyle implored residents of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) to be cautious.
“I hope that you are taking note that you have a very important part to play in protecting the communities bordering Brazil. You can limit the risk of exposure of your communities by adhering to the guidelines,immediately raising the alarm by notifying the authorities as soon as illegal migrants enter your community,” she pleaded.
Moreover, the DCMO urged persons to take advantage of the mobile testing units, especially when they visit communities in Region Four, which is the epicentre of this pandemic.
“Please do your part. This battle is not lost, my fellow countrymen, but we will only win if we work together as a team. United we stand, divided we fall. Let’s beat COVID-19!” Dr Gordon-Boyle implored.