More than 100 fixed-site and mobile teams will be in place from tomorrow to push for 40,000 COVID-19 vaccinations in a week as the Ministry of Health (MOH) yesterday warned that the virus had become more virulent and deadlier.
“As in other countries in the region and around the world, COVID-19 is in a new global surge. We recognize the surge in Guyana. But after a year of circulating, the virus among us has become more effective in spreading during this new surge. It has also become more virulent and deadlier. The hospital beds are increasingly becoming occupied with COVID-19 patients who become sicker more rapidly. In addition, the virus is infecting younger people and more young people are getting sicker faster”, the ministry warned as four more deaths were recorded yesterday.
It urged those over 40 years to come forward to be vaccinated. As of April 3, the number of COVID-19 vaccines administered across Guyana was 40,468. Of this total 12 second doses were administered. The statement said that Guyana has surpassed 3,000 vaccinations in a day three times during last week. The top three Regions were the largest populated regions – Regions 4, 6 and 3 – in that order.
Several hundred second dose vaccines are also to be administered this week. The 100 fixed-site and mobile teams will be administering first and second doses vaccine starting tomorrow. These teams will be inoculating in all ten regions of Guyana.
The fixed sites have been listed on the MOH’s website and shared on Facebook. They can be found at https://www.health.gov.gy/covid19/COVID-19%20Vaccination%20Sites%20and%20Dates/List%20of%20Designated%20vaccine%20sites.pdf
“We urge the private sector to aggressively promote the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. The private sector, through Banks DIH, Sterling Products, Fernandes and other companies, have and continue to provide support for the Vaccine Cold Chain. These companies have been on standby and continue to be on standby to lend support for the transportation and distribution logistics that vaccines require. The MOH is eternally grateful. It demonstrates the kind of collaboration that contributes to the success of public health. It is in this vein that we further ask our colleagues in the private sector to promote the vaccination programme. We would be delighted if by the end of this coming week private sector entities can boast that more than 75% of all employees 40 years and older are vaccinated”, the ministry said.
The statement added that the Ministry of Local Government has been playing a pivotal role in mobilizing citizens. Over the initial period, Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) such as Canals Polder, La Grange, Leonora and Kilcoy/ Chesney/Hampshire, have organized campaigns for those 60 years and older. This coming week, Canefield/Enterprise and Kilcoy/Chesney/Hampshire in Region 6 and Little Diamond/Herstelling will host COVID-19 Vaccine rollouts in their communities for persons 40 years and older. For the KIlcoy/ Chesney/Hampshire, NDC, the Albion Cricket Club is taking the lead, the statement said.
The Ministry also expressed concern about the “continued reckless behaviour of certain persons who have taken an anti-vaxxer stance. This is irresponsible. While vaccination is not mandatory in Guyana, it is an effective public health measure and protect against certain diseases. In the case of COVID-19 vaccines, it will protect against severe illnesses and, therefore, is an imperative for every citizen. For those who are publicly castigating vaccination with conspiracy theories, we urge that they desist. The vaccines in use will protect people, making them safer and stopping the COVID-19 virus. It will not turn anyone into something else; it will definitely not turn anyone into any animal. We urge citizens to dismiss these conspiracy theories and to ignore those spreading wild tales”.
The ministry added that the urgency for vaccination is now at an all-time high.
“The vaccine is our only way out of this pandemic. But it will be a while before all Guyanese are fully vaccinated against this deadly virus, the COVID-19 virus. It is incumbent, it is a life-and-death imperative, for every Guyanese to strictly adhere to the public health measures. Wearing a mask once anyone leaves home is not merely a necessity, it is really a life-and-death choice. We remind people that each time they are not wearing a mask in public, they are literally at risk for a fatal illness. They continued reckless gathering around the country is playing a game of roulette with the angels of death. The Ministry of Health cannot be more blunt – stay at home and go out only when necessary. The public health curfew is in everyone’s best interest”, the statement said.
