Still unable to slow the rate of transmission of the novel coronavirus disease, Guyana on Monday recorded seven new cases, which brought the total number of confirmed cases up to 124. The number of persons tested for the virus has surpassed the 1200 mark as 54 more persons were tested bringing that total to 1218.
During the live COVID-19 daily update by the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton, the Director of Pri-mary Health Care Services, stated that Guyana is currently within the ninth week since the index case of COVID-19 was identified and has not been able to slow down the rate of transmission as the numbers continue to rise weekly. She also noted that out of the seven new cases recorded, six were male, while one was female, which she noted was a clear indication that the disease continues to spread predominantly among men.
Additionally, Hamilton stated that 45 persons have so far recovered, while some 69 persons are in institutional isolation. That number also accounts for the number of active cases. The number of deaths as a result of the virus remain the same, while three patients are currently in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Hamilton went on to praise staff of the National Public Health Reference Laboratory, the lab where testing for the disease takes place. She also noted that to date there have been no incidents that can threaten the integrity of the results coming from the laboratory.
Hamilton also stated that the threat to Guyana of more imported cases is increasing significantly even as Brazil has now been identified as the epicentre of the virus within the region as its recorded deaths have surpassed that of Italy, France and Spain. “I cannot overemphasise how troubling this is for us especially as our residents in Region Nine continue to traverse the borders without fear,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ariane Mangar, Director of Disability and Rehabilitation Services, said that it is important for persons to remain fit and continue exercising even during the pandemic. She stated that the health authorities are encouraging persons to participate in physical activity and exercises in their homes and communities all the while observing all of the precautionary measures. Mangar said that some exercises that can be done at home include walking at a moderate pace for about 30 minutes and deep breathing exercises. “Please remember my friends that you are at home and you need to move around, you cannot stay in one place all day,” she noted.
