Region 10 COVID-19 patients were infected by ‘known associate’ – RHO

The Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Administration has started to conduct a contact tracing exercise after it was revealed that both of its COVID-19 patients were infected by someone they both knew and had contact with.

In a statement, Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Pansy Armstrong disclosed that after investigations of the two COVID-19 cases were completed, they realised that “both victims would have gotten infected by a known associate”.
As such, they are appealing to persons who may have had contact with either of the two individuals over the past two weeks to immediately self-quarantine themselves, as there was a possibility that they might be carrying the disease unknowingly.
According to Dr Armstrong, the first victim had visitors from overseas who came for a funeral while the second victim is related to a known associate of the first victim. She said that this appeal was as a result of the Region’s continued proactive approach to ensuring contact tracing.
“What we are aware of is that both individuals were infected by a known associate of them and there is a possibility that others may have been infected. As such, we are appealing to those persons to immediately self-quarantine themselves at home to protect their families and others who they may have met,” Dr Armstrong stressed.
The RHO declared that she was appealing to anyone within the region who are showing signs and symptoms of COVID-19 to immediately contact the hotline numbers listed as 444-3007, 444-6127 and 444-6137 where they would speak to a public health nurse or a doctor.
“Let me say: do not visit any health facilities, call the hotline and someone will reach out to you…As it is widely known,” she said, “there is no known cure for COVID-19, but if the medical personnel within the region are made aware of your situation, then immediate medical attention and assistance can be rendered.”
She also said that the general public should take the current situation seriously. As such, the required measures and guidelines should be followed.
“I am personally appealing to everyone to follow the instructions as it is only way of keeping us safe. Remember social distancing, wash your hands regularly and wear your mask when you are out; we must and should follow the guidelines to stay safe,” she warned.