No new COVID-19 cases reported

Guyana’s confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has not changed from 709 positives as of Monday, after zero new cases were reported.
In the Health Ministry’s daily dashboard, the number of deaths also remained the same, at 23.
A breakdown showed that there are 59 persons in institutional isolation, 71 in institutional quarantine and 275 under home isolation. Three persons are also in the designated Intensive Care Unit. In one day, there were 39 recoveries, which added to the total figure of 349.
Sunday’s breakdown of the regional contraction rate showed that 106 positives were detected in Region One (Barima-Waini), eight in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 34 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 196 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), one in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), one in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), 166 in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 10 in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), 144 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 43 in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
The new cases originated from Regions One, Three, Four, Five, Seven, Nine and 10.
Regions Seven, Eight and Nine are under very strict COVID-19 restrictions.
While another death was reported on Sunday, the last one was earlier this month.
Wilfred James died at the Georgetown Public Hospital on Sunday. The 73-year-old was admitted to the hospital on August 4 and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19.
Norbert Grant, 79, of Beterverwagting on the East Coast of Demerara had succumbed after battling with the virus at the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital.
At that time, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud had shared the view that there should be no complacency and a laissez-faire attitude coming from the population. According to him, misconceptions about COVID-19 persist – including that the disease does not exist, that wearing a mask causes the disease and even suggestions that testing brings about the disease.
The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) had announced six repatriation flights from the United States of America for this month, which will see stranded Guyanese returning home. These flights will be executed by US-based Eastern Airlines from Miami and New York.
The next flights are scheduled for August 18 and 25 from the Miami International Airport and August 19 and 26 from the John F Kennedy International Airport.
In order to be accepted on a flight to Guyana, the electronic Repatriation Form available via GCAA’s website must be completed. Additionally, a molecular biological PCR test for COVID-19 must be completed, and the negative result sent to [email protected].
Since the repatriation efforts commenced to bring Guyanese home, over 1300 persons have returned from North America, St Marteen, Aruba, Trinidad and Tobago; and Barbados.
Persons are asked to continue wearing masks, practice social distancing and continue their sanitary practices to curtail any possible spread. Those experiencing symptoms are asked to get tested for COVID-19. (G12)