Omicron strain prone to mimic common flu symptoms – Health Minister cautions

…58 new infections reported

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has cautioned Guyanese that the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus presents itself in most recorded cases like symptoms associated with the common flu.
In giving the COVID-19 briefing on Friday, he clarified that this is one of the reasons persons should continue to take precautions when conducting their activities or interacting with people.
“We’re seeing more people with upper respiratory tract infections. That means some people would experience it as nasal congestion, maybe an itchy throat; that sort of thing. That mimics common flu in many ways. Sometimes, somebody might be feeling that they have the common flu but it’s really a COVID-19 infection. That’s why people need to take these precautions still. This version, in most cases, is milder,” he shared.
With the symptoms manifesting in this way, it was underscored that many persons do not “feel the need to be tested”. This, he outlined, calls for continued vigilance.
From 738 persons that were swabbed for the virus, 58 new cases were detected, according to the Ministry’s dashboard. The total confirmed cases in the country moved to 62,856 – 28,938 males and 33,918 females. Deaths have remained at 1216.
There are 10 patients in the designated Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 713 in home isolation, 40 in institutional isolation and 10 in institutional quarantine. The data shows that 60,877 patients have recovered from the life-threatening virus while 537,150 tests have been conducted.
Out of the 50 persons that are hospitalised, 37 are seeking treatment at the Infectious Diseases Hospital with one at Suddie Hospital, one at West Demerara Hospital, five at New Amsterdam Hospital, one person at the Bartica Hospital, and one at Mahdia Hospital.
“We have increased our ICU beds. At Ocean View, we have capacity to manage 52 patients in the ICU. These beds have ventilators. Every region would have at least three beds with ventilators and all the necessary things if people need such services. While we do have this capacity, the way that the COVID-19 disease is presenting itself with this Omicron infection is different from when we had the Delta variant circulating,” Dr Anthony emphasised.
In analysing new infections, two were recorded in Region One (Barima-Waini), three in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 19 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), eight in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), two in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and 24 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
No increases were reported in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
In terms of vaccination, 431,597 adults or 84.1 per cent have received a first dose while 326,867 or 63.7 per cent have returned for their second shot. In the adolescent age group, 24,134 or 33.1 per cent are fully vaccinated. Booster doses stand at 49,742.
If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy
All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasise 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. (G12)