Despite the continuous rise in COVID-19 cases in Region Nine, residents are still not adhering to restrictions and are continuing to illegally travel between Guyana and Brazil, the Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock has said.
Allicock told Stabroek News on Tuesday that there is nothing the region can do about the cross border travel due to the lack of resources. However, he said, they are continuing to educate persons about the seriousness of the COVID-19 situation and hope they understand what can happen if they continue to travel to Brazil and back. “We have been asking them to understand the seriousness of the situation and not because of greed they must go on like they don’t care. Some persons have been adhering to the measures but some take everything for granted and they [are] just crossing up and down,” he said.
Up to Monday, Region Nine recorded a total of 119 cases of COVID-19. According to a statement by the Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr. Naail Uthman, there were 113 active cases in the region as of Monday. In the statement, he said that widespread testing will commence this week in the communities that have recorded cases of the disease.
The communities that have recorded coronavirus cases are: Aranaputa, Annai, Wowetta and Rupertee in the North Rupununi; Lethem, St. Ignatius and Quarrie in Central Rupununi; and Potarinau along with its satellite villages Baitoon and Katuur, Sand Creek and Quiko in the South Central Rupununi.
Meanwhile, Allicock said that four doctors were dispatched from the Coast to the region on Friday to assist the region with their fight against COVID-19. He said those doctors have already commenced working and will be travelling into the affected communities to commence mass testing.
He added that the Ministry of Health has sent 800 testing kits to the region. In a statement issued on Monday, Uthman said the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony signalled that the Ministry will be ramping up their efforts against COVID-19, especially as it relates to increase in testing. Like Allicock, he said the health department received 800 test kits. As a result, he said, there were 940 test kits on hand on Sunday.
Uthman also stated that the health department also received Personal Protective Equipment and sanitising supplies. He also said that several more doctors are expected in the region to assist with the fight against the virus.
“In the ensuing week, we will be conducting testing in the villages with active cases and subsequently move to the other villages. We continue to implore the residents to abide by the COVID measures of hand washing and sanitising, social and physical distancing, the use of a face mask, adhering to the curfew, staying at home unless necessary and avoid crossing the Guyana/Brazil border. It is imperative that we do not take anyone for granted since most of the COVID positive cases are without symptoms,” the statement by Uthman added.
Meanwhile, Allicock stated that issues regarding isolation facilities have been solved as COVID-19 patients will now be isolated in facilities in their respective communities.
