Region 10 sees “sharp increase” in COVID-19 cases – RHO

…says Wismar considered “potential hotspot”

Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Health Officer (RHO) Dr Gregory Harris has indicated that the region has experienced a sharp increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases over the past few days. The RHO, who also serves as Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC) Health Committee, made this revelation during the hosting of the newly sworn-in Council’s first statutory meeting on Thursday. Dr Harris stated that to date, 309 persons have been tested within the Region, with a total of 119 confirmed cases being recorded. He revealed that there are presently 23 active cases.

In relating a breakdown of the active cases, Dr Harris said there are three at Amelia’s Ward, one at Old Kara Kara; two at West Watooka; seven at Block 22; six at Wisroc; one at Kwakwani; one at Nottinghamshire and one at Old England. The Region has so far recorded 95 recoveries
According to the RHO, eight persons were recorded to be in home isolation while 15 persons were recorded to be in institutional isolation, adding that a total of four persons within the Region were said to be in home quarantine and four in institutional quarantine.
Dr Harris stated that according to data analysis, the Wismar shore is now being considered a potential hotspot. As such, he said a “fan out” exercise is planned for the area on Monday. The RHO said it was observed that cases are rising within the Wisroc area in Linden. He explained that 6 samples were sent for testing on Thursday with contact tracing for about 15 persons expected to be carried out in the evening.
In light of the pandemic, the RHO said there are several challenges being faced within the Region.
“Some of the challenges which we are facing in the Region is human behaviour. If you observe in the market area…we would observe our own Lindeners are walking around without masks. So compliance is a big thing,” he told members of the Council.
In light of this, Dr Harris encouraged Councillors and members of Community Development Councils to sensitise residents on COVID-19 guidelines and to ensure that businesses are equipped with wash sinks and are in compliance. He noted that in some cases, health workers are being bullied to release persons suspected to be positive.
“We have other instances also where persons, family members are coming to the institution and bullying the medical personnel to release their family members,” the RHO said.
Referring to another incident, he said a resident even “scaled” the fence of the Upper Demerara Hospital (UDH) which houses the isolation unit and escaped after a family member demanded that they be released. He said that person later tested positive for the virus. Nevertheless, Dr Harris indicated that health workers are continuing their efforts to curb the spread of the virus.
The RHO urged Councillors to report any suspicious activities as he advised them to be more responsible. He said the police can also be contacted in cases where suspicious activities are detected. Very soon, he said the department will be extending care packages to persons in isolation and quarantine and will continue to support those in need across the region with monies derived from the budget. The department will also be seeking to have COVID-19 marshals in an effort to ensure that persons in isolation stay at home. Additionally, there are sensitisation and youth concerts planned to bring awareness.
Councillors also expressed concerns over the attitude of some Lindeners which they noted are against COVID- 19 guidelines.
According to Councillor Norris King, the issue needs to be given urgent attention.
King said the Council is tasked with the responsibility of effectively managing the Region and called on health workers to sensitise persons on the severity of the pandemic in an effort to have them to curb such actions. Councillor Hugh Stephens also expressed concern over the attitude of some residents at Wismar. Calls were also made for additional checkpoints apart from the Bamia location. The RHO noted that while there are additional checkpoints at Mabura and Rockstone, there is none at the Berbice River area. Councillor Gordon Callender also shared his concern, noting that persons are evading checkpoints as he called on Police to be more vigilant and stricter with enforcing curfew measures.
Regional Chairman Deron Adams said it is his hope that together the Council would be able to move forward and take into consideration the key players and factors needed to keep the pandemic under control in the Region.
Adams said the Committee would be meeting on Friday to continue the work of the Regional Task Force. (Utamu Belle)