Recklessness during Phagwah celebrations can cause increased COVID cases – Dr Anthony

– 6 new cases reported in 24h

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has underscored that while persons are disappointed with the effects of COVID-19 on celebrations, they need to ensure that Phagwah is celebrated in a safe manner.
He pointed out that the relaxation of safety measures on reckless behaviour can cause infections to climb.
“I think everybody should understand that we still have cases of COVID in Guyana. If we don’t take protective measures, then we can have an increase in these cases. I know that people have been frustrated because they weren’t able to enjoy the national holidays as they’re accustomed to, but we also have to be cautious,” he warned.
“If we want to have a sustained recovery and way of reopening, then we still have to be cautious. I know (that) when people celebrate Phagwah, you’re in very close proximity with each other, and so forth. I would still want to urge that they do so in a responsible manner,” he added.
New statistics released by the Ministry have shown that six new cases were detected within the past 24 hours, but deaths have remained at 1226. Confirmed cases have reached 63,175.
A total of 14 patients are in institutional isolation, 138 are in home isolation, and 11 are in institutional quarantine. Of the 29,091 males and 34,084 females who had contracted the virus, 61,792 have recovered.
Some 557,731 COVID-19 tests have been administered since the virus was detected here.
There are 157 active cases, of which 19 are in hospital. There are 13 persons at the Infectious Diseases Hospital. Five persons are in the Intensive Care Unit. A majority of persons hospitalised are unvaccinated against COVID-19.
“We continue to provide care at our various institutions. However, what we notice is that persons coming into the hospital, most of them are unvaccinated. It would be very helpful if persons can still go out and get their vaccination, because it would prevent them from getting the more severe form of the COVID-19 disease,” the Health Minister has said.
Vaccination statistics show that 436,886 adults, or 85.2 per cent of the adult population, are immunised with a first dose of the COVID vaccine. Second doses account for 334,537 persons, or 65.2 per cent of the adult population.
In the adolescent category, 34,144 first doses, equivalent to 46.8 per cent of that demographic, and 24,780 second doses, equivalent to 34 per cent thereof, have been administered. Some 55,722 persons have taken their booster shots.
“By now, a lot of people would have exceeded the five-month interval between their last dose and this booster dose. There are lots of people who are eligible. We want to encourage them to come and get their booster shots,” Dr Anthony has said.
If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline: 231-1166, 226-7480, or 624-6674 immediately, or visit us at www.health.gov.gy.
Globally, almost 458.4 million people have tested positive for the virus, and six million have died. In the Americas, more than 149 confirmed cases have been reported, with over 2.66 million deaths.