Removal of COVID-19 measures dependent on vaccinated population – Health Minister

In order for Government to consider removing some of the COVID-19 measures currently enforced, a significant percentage of the adult population would have to be vaccinated.
This was according to Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Friday who stated that many countries have removed certain measures because they were close to herd immunity. For Guyana to consider such a move, the population needs to be vaccinated.
As of Thursday, over 136,000 persons received their first dose of the vaccine. The adult population is estimated to be around 500,000.
“If we work hard enough and people take the vaccine, we would get to a point where we can remove those measures. But as of now, we have to maintain them and continue using them. Israel, for example, is one of the first countries that would have gotten close to herd immunity and they have removed masking because most of their population would have already gotten the vaccine. They’re showing what is possible and if we work hard enough and make sure that every adult here received their vaccine, then some of the measures we can remove,” Dr Anthony posited.
Presently Region Six is progressing well while Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) is lagging behind. Dr Anthony assured that the country has enough vaccines at the moment to continue its vaccination campaign.
“We have been able to purchase enough vaccine to be able to give to our adult population and so there isn’t a shortage. What we want is for people to come forward and get the vaccine. So, we’re encouraging everyone who is 18 years and above to make sure that they come out and get their vaccines.”
Upon turning up to the vaccination site, he noted that health officials would be able to ascertain whether a person is symptomatic or displaying mild symptoms. If that is the case, they would be advised accordingly.
In light of the scarcity of vaccines, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had asked for infected persons to wait for three months before getting inoculated because they would have already gained some antibodies. Guyana did not impose that restriction due to the availability of shots and as a result, persons can get a vaccine immediately after their recovery.
“If someone is symptomatic, then by using the questionnaire that we have, we’ll be able to find that out and we’ll advise them accordingly. If you’re mildly symptomatic, then we would be able to use that questionnaire and ask you to wait until you recover. Generally, that would take 10 days. Having completed your recovery period, then you can come and get the vaccine…In terms of asymptomatic cases, most of those asymptomatic persons would not know themselves that they have COVID…In such circumstances, we’ll give the vaccine,” Dr Anthony outlined.
President Irfaan Ali has hinted at stronger enforcement of the current curfew and national measures in wake of the increased deaths and cases for April. Minister Anthony outlined that this is expected to heighten compliance.
“We’re hoping that by introducing these additional measures so to speak, that we’ll get more compliance. Again, all of us are in this thing together so if you get one place that is violating the rules and creating the conditions for spread of the virus, then it endangers everyone else. That is why we have to make sure that people are compliant.”