Guyana has recorded no new cases of the novel coronavirus, in which the total statistics have remained at 538.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Shamdeo Persaud
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud on Friday informed that the number of deaths remained at 22 – the latest of which was recorded on Tuesday.
In total, there are 327 active cases in institutional isolation; 38 in institutional quarantine and three persons in the designated Intensive Care Unit. To date, 189 cases have recovered. The Ministry has conducted tests on 5165 persons and 4627 returned negative.
The CMO reminded mothers to make adequate use of the breastfeeding period, to ensure that their children are protected, especially in the heights of a pandemic.
“I wish to remind our young mothers of the importance of breastfeeding at least for the first six months of delivery. Your babies need all the nutrients to build up the immune system against immune infections…I wish to emphasise that all mothers must make the adjustments and take all the necessary precaution to protect themselves,” Dr Shamdeo said.
Health workers were tasked with promoting breastfeeding among new mothers. Meanwhile, Dr Persaud once again reiterated the importance of proper sanitisation, wearing masks in public and maintaining social distancing.
“Further, it is imperative for our health workers to remember it is the mother’s right to breastfeed and every support must be given to promote breastfeeding.”
Turning his attention to the repatriation of Guyanese stranded overseas, he urged stakeholders not to take the situation lightly or disregard guidelines which were agreed upon before their return.
“Exposure to this virus continues so do not take undue risks. Safeguard yourself and those around you. Let us all educate ourselves and dispel the misconceptions about COVID-19. The disease exists. Wearing a mask cannot cause the disease but helps to prevent it. Testing ascertains whether or not you have the virus so let us spread the correct message,” he cautioned.
On Monday, President Dr Irfaan Ali along with Prime Minister Mark Phillips; Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony met with health officials from both the public and private health institutions at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
One of the suggestions that came from Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, was for a halt to the illegal movement through Guyana’s borders, as it is evidently linked to the large increases in positive COVID-19 cases recorded in recent time. (G12)
