Paul Pierre, the Deputy Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), is among dozens of persons who tested positive for COVID-19 in the indigenous community of Kwebanna, which has since become a COVID-19 hotspot in Region One.
According to Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, Region One is currently one of the most affected hinterland areas in Guyana.
In less than a month after recording its first COVID-19 case, Kwebanna has already recorded its first death and at least 40 confirmed cases. Pierre, who is also the Toshao of the community, told Stabroek News yesterday that the first COVID-19 case from the community was recorded on September 19th. He said a few days after the first case was identified many persons in the region complained of having COVID-19 symptoms and this was brought to the attention of health authorities attached to the Kumaka District Hospital (KDH) in Santa Rosa and a team was dispatched to conduct swabbing in the community.