Director of a United States-based charity organization, Brian Jenkins, who was fearful of having to stay longer in Guyana as a result of positive COVID-19 tests, is hopeful of leaving the country by Saturday after the intervention of the US Embassy.
Jenkins in giving an update on social media, stated that after being tested again on Tuesday, the results came back as positive for COVID-19. In the live video update he stated, “The reality is that December 4th I had the virus and enzymes remain in your body for up to three months, I did get tested before coming here, I got three negative tests but when I got on the ground here I got a positive one”.
Jenkins noted that he was made to understand that the tests in Guyana are different from the ones used in the United States and added that it is more sensitive and “grabs the old enzymes”, and that could be the reason for his repeated positive tests even after recovering from the virus last year.
“On a positive note, we do have an opportunity to get out of here, the 16th, they gave me ten days from the day of the test. So on the 16th I will be able to get out as long as I don’t have any symptoms” he said while adding that he would not have symptoms as he is not sick.
In relation to his previous complaint that was broadcast by ABC News Philadelphia in the United States, he revealed that authorities will have him moved to an approved hotel as he stated that where he is currently isolated (the facility at Diamond, East Bank Demerara) is, “not that pleasant”.
Jenkins added that a number of persons were able to come together and speak with the authorities here about his position, these persons included US politicians and even officials from the US embassy.
“A lot of people came through to negotiate my release, because really they were going to keep me here for two months until I tested negative but we were able to negotiate and get them to approve the standards of the World Health Organization which indicates if a person does not have symptoms they can be released ten days after taking the test” he said. Health authorities in Guyana have previously stated that that guideline by the WHO is what is in place in Guyana.
