Small amount of Moderna vaccine available, limited timeframe

…as 2 more succumb to COVID-19, 112 new cases

Two more persons have succumbed to the novel coronavirus in Guyana – moving the country’s death toll to 486. For July, 10 persons have died from COVID-19.
Among the latest fatalities are two females: a 47-year-old from Region Four and 68-year-old from Region Six. They both died while receiving care at a medical facility.
On Wednesday, a 59-year-old from Region Three and a 65-year-old from Region Four – both males – were the last reported deaths.
The revised dashboard for Thursday showed a rise of 112 new cases, as total confirmed positives in the country move to 20,757. There are 13 patients in the Intensive Care Unit, 90 in institutional isolation and 1373 in home isolation. No one is under institutional quarantine.
Some 18,795 individuals have since recovered. The country has swabbed 197,502 persons thus far.
An analysis of new cases shows three in Region One (Barima-Waini), one in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 10 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 76 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), three in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), 13 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), two in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and four in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
Positives in Regions Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) did not increase.

Moderna vaccine available
Advisor to the Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy on Thursday disclosed that a small amount of Moderna vaccine has been made available, and must be used up in a short period. Any person in need of a Moderna vaccine can visit the Health Ministry for their first dose, and return for the second jab in two weeks.
Vaccination numbers show 237,111 persons or 48.7 per cent of the adult population receiving their first doses; of which 116, 903 persons or 24 per cent have already returned for their last shot.
Speaking on the topic of variants on Thursday, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony shared, “These viruses that we’re dealing with that cause COVID-19 go into the cells in the body and then they use the systems within these cells to replicate itself. But every time virus tries to replicate itself, there’s a potential for there to be an error in that replication process and every time there is an error, it means that you’re potentially getting a virus that are emerging with mutations. Most of these mutations are insignificant, but some of the mutations can have clinical impact.”
Since the emergence of the pandemic, there have been several variants of concern – the most recent of which has been the Delta variant.
If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.
All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasise: the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining six feet of physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene. (G12)