Over 35% COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic – DCMO

…Guyana records 3 more positive cases

Guyana has recorded 116 cases of COVID-19 after three more persons tested positive on Friday. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Karen Gordon-Boyle, in the daily briefing, updated that an additional 13 persons were tested, which adds to the total of 1065 tests conducted.

Deaths from the coronavirus have remained at 10, while five persons are in institutional quarantine and 63 in institutional isolation. Another three persons are still receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), while 43 persons have so far recovered from the disease.
Dr Gordon-Boyle mentioned that Guyana’s situation has seen no improvement, with alarming figures being recorded within the last 14 days.
“The situation in Guyana in relation to the transmission of the coronavirus has not improved. We are reporting three new cases today, and our fatality rate from this disease remains very high. Our positive cases have grown significantly over the last two weeks, as community transmission continues,” she declared.
The DCMO urged people to come forward and get tested. She noted that more than 35 persons of the positive cases in the country are actually asymptomatic. This means they can operate as per normal while carrying the disease.
“Over 35 per cent of our COVID-19 cases were actually asymptomatic – had no typical signs or symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath etc. So even if your temperature is normal, you have to continue to behave as if you have the virus. So, you must continue to wear your mask, wash your hands frequently, maintain physical distancing, stay at home, and immediately report to the COVID Hotline should any symptoms arise,” she advised.
Testing, she noted, will be decentralised from Georgetown to other sections of the coast, targeting mostly regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
In the weekend and the upcoming week, health authorities have asked the public to make use of mobile units which will be placed at La Parfaite Harmonie on the West Bank of Demerara and South Ruimveldt in Georgetown.
“We have mentioned to you that we are currently working on strengthening the health system to respond to COVID-19 on a longer- term basis. The aforementioned activities are a part of the plan to have a comprehensive COVID-19 health network, where patients across the 10 administrative regions will be able to access these services. Please understand that transmission can only be reduced or stopped if we are able to separate those who test positive from those who are not infected,” she added.
Regular screening is also done, which involves taking the temperature of individuals along with information about their medical history and possible symptoms. Those with high body temperatures would be screened further to determine if their condition is associated with the novel coronavirus.
According to World Health Organisation’s statistics, there are 4,248,389 confirmed cases globally, with 292,046 deaths. In the Americas, the number of cases is 1,819,553, with 109,121 deaths.

ERC modifies operations
Noticing the constant rise in cases, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has also joined calls for Guyanese to practise social distancing, and go out only if it is absolutely necessary.
Presently, the doors of the ERC have been closed, but that body continues to operate via virtual means.
The ERC has said via a statement: “There is no existing playbook to combat this pernicious virus, but what is known is that having fewer gatherings, wearing of face masks, constantly washing of hands, and the use of an alcohol-based sanitiser daily would slow down the spread of the virus. In spite of the pandemic, the ERC continues to work, although its office remains closed due to the unprecedented COVID-19 lockdown.”
While the body deals with complaints and matters of discrimination on the lines of ethnicity, it said that complaints can still be filed by filling out an online form on its webpage: erc.org.gy or by downloading the My ERC app.
Along with that, the ERC has been engaged in activities to continue its work on social media and virtual platforms.
“The Commission recently undertook initiatives to strengthen awareness and celebration of the Guyanese diversity. The Public Education and Awareness Unit of the ERC recently launched the ERC ‘Diversity Challenge’ on its Facebook Page, and is inviting Guyanese to celebrate their culture by visiting the page and connect especially with friends and family who are of different ethnic backgrounds.”