Days after reporting that they were free of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Region One (Barima-Waini) yesterday confirmed three new cases of the virus.
Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley told Stabroek News that Santa Rosa in the Moruca sub-district recorded three new COVID-19 cases last week. He said two of the patients were infected in Moruca while the third travelled from Georgetown to the community despite being in quarantine.
“Currently we have three positive cases in Santa Rosa, Moruca. Two persons were tested in Moruca and found to be positive while the other was tested in Georgetown and instead of waiting for his results in quarantine, he would have travelled into Moruca instead and then when the test results came out and it was found out he was positive, contact tracing was done and it was only then they realized that the person is now residing in Moruca,” Ashley disclosed.
He added that contact tracing was done for all three of the infected patients and those who were in contact with them were placed in quarantine. He disclosed that those in quarantine included ten students, six of whom are from Barama. He noted that a team from the Health Department was sent to the community by the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, to conduct screening and testing and to ensure that the situation is immediately controlled in that area.
Meanwhile, Ashley said that since the installation of the new government, the residents of Moruca have been receiving food and sanitizing supplies.
“The government have already started providing assistance to the communities. In fact, it was through the intervention with Minister of Health that the team went into Barama and food hampers were distributed during the last few days to different parts of Santa Rosa village and not only to those who were affected but families who are in dire need of assistance,” Ashley noted.
He added that they were assured that residents affected by the pandemic will be assisted and will be catered for in the $4.5 billion COVID-19 relief.
Region One has recorded 103 cases of the coronavirus disease inclusive of one death. There are three active cases in the region while the remaining cases have recovered.
