The recent COVID-19 death in Region Ten has signalled to regional officials that many persons infected with the virus are refusing to seek medical treatment until it is too late.
Five COVID-19 deaths have been reported in the Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice region with the most recent one being a 31-year-old woman, who the Ministry of Health (MoH) said died while receiving care at a facility.
Stabroek News was told that upon realisation that the woman was ill, family members tried giving her herbal medicine in hopes that it would cure her. However, the concoction that was used did not work and it was only when the young woman went into respiratory distress that they decided to take her to hospital. It was too late, however, and the woman died shortly after being admitted to a hospital in Linden. Stabroek News was able to confirm that the deceased did suffer from a pre-existing condition which made her more vulnerable to the virus.
Commenting on the woman’s death, Regional Chairman Deron Adams said that it has led regional officials to believe that there are a lot of undetected COVID-19 cases in the region and contributing to that is the refusal of residents to get medical treatment while believing that herbal medicine can cure them.
Over the past few days, the MoH has confirmed multiple cases of the virus in the region, with the most recent COVID-19 dashboard revealing that 11 new cases were confirmed in the region.
As of yesterday, Region Ten had a total of 93 active cases distributed among Amelia’s Ward, Canvas City, Wisroc, Rockstone, Blueberry Hill, Friends, Central McKenzie, Half Mile, Industrial Area, Kwakwani, Block 22, One Mile, Christianburg, Coo-macka Mines, Nottingham-shire, Kara Kara, Silver-town, Aroaima, Old England, Retrieve and Trioville.
When asked what might have contributed to the increase in COVID-19 cases, the Chairman stated that regional officials have observed that residents in Linden and in far-flung communities have not been adhering to preventative measures. He said that this behaviour is occurring despite the fact that the region has been actively distributing masks and other protective gear to residents.
“It’s a grave concern and we are aware of what it can lead to. Out here in Linden, we have had persons wearing masks but that’s with strict measures that were in place. But right now persons are in a relaxed mood. There are many large gatherings, especially in the market area. People are going about their business like everything is back to normal. This is a concern to us and so we think this is something that we need to look at,” he said.
With the recent increase in COVID-19 cases, Adams said the Regional Democratic Council is thinking about restarting its public awareness campaigns. “In fact, tomorrow the commander and team will be leading an exercise here in Linden and we will donating some masks to them and they will be going out and distributing it to those persons,” he added.
Adams noted that while the Christmas season may be contributing to residents’ relaxed attitude, many also believe with the national COVID-19 measures being relaxed by government, it means that they should also be relaxing as well. In addition, he said, persons downplaying the severity of the virus is also a contributing factor.
He went on to say that the region is considering charging persons for not adhering to all preventative measures.
Adams also said that in recent months regional authorities had managed to handle the situation as it relates to person entering and leaving the region. He revealed that in the past, there would be crowds at the popular ‘Blue Lake’ and these would largely comprise visitors from other regions.
However, he said the police had managed to address the situation. In addition, he said, they have also put checkpoints at every area where foreigners have been caught illegally crossing so that issue has also been addressed. They are still monitoring these areas, he added.
Meanwhile, Adams said that while he knows the illegal operation of bars is a problem, it seems as though there is now better compliance by bar owners as there are only reports of such incidents from Coomaka and Moblissa. He added that residents have been advised to make contact with the police if they see persons flouting that particular order.
Adams added that in light of the way some residents are operating, it is likely that the region will see a rise in cases.
“Residents need to be COVID-19 smart. Wear a mask. Wash or sanitize hands frequently and continue to practice social distancing. Only venture out when necessary,” he said.
