The number COVID-19 cases in Region Nine is slowly increasing but the Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock has stated that the regional authorities are remaining optimistic about the situation.
So far, the region has recorded a total of 389 cases inclusive of four deaths due to COVID-19. Currently, according to statistics released by the Health Ministry, there are 13 active COVID-19 cases.
The region recently started recording new cases of COVID-19 after weeks without confirming a single case. Allicock had said that persons are taking a more relaxed approach to the COVID-19 preventative measures and as a result of this and illegal travelling to and from Brazil, new infections are occurring.
Meanwhile, during an interview with Stabroek News yesterday, the Regional Chairman said that the COVID-19 situation in the region is still under control but the authorities are still awaiting results from tests administered to persons who have been experiencing flu-like symptoms.
However, Allicock noted that the majority of persons who have been tested since the region started seeing new cases have tested negative and this is largely due to the fact that the flu is circulating in the region and the symptoms are similar to those of COVID-19. “Since we cannot differentiate between the two illnesses, because the symptoms are similar, we will continue testing all those who display those type of symptoms to be on the safe side,” he added.
