Concerned that possible COVID-19 positive persons in Aishalton are mistakenly being told they don’t have the virus, Toshao Michael Thomas is calling on the health authorities to look into the situation, while saying that persons may die if they are not properly diagnosed and treated.
Speaking with Stabroek News, Thomas disclosed that only 36 positive COVID-19 cases inclusive of one death have been confirmed in Aishalton up to yesterday afternoon while adding that many others are sick and exhibiting severe signs of the virus, such as shortness of breath, but their results were negative.
In many cases, he said, persons who receive negative test results are living with positive COVID-19 patients, making the negative results unexpected. “There is a family, all of them are sick and are showing the same symptoms. There are three of them and two tested positive while the remaining one tested negative and all of them are terribly sick, so in my opinion some of the tests are not accurate,” the Toshao revealed before noting that there are many such instances.
He added that if the results are indeed inaccurate, then there could be more deaths in the community. “A lot of people are sick right now and we are concerned that the results are not accurate. That is something the health authorities should look into because the virus is spreading. It is not only in Aishalton, this is happening in many nearby communities and although some people are getting tested, the results are negative,” he further added.
In addition, he said if the issue is not resolved the situation may worsen and many persons might die because they are not receiving the right medical treatment,
Asked whether testing is ongoing in the South Rupununi, Thomas said that it doesn’t seem so but noted that persons in Aishalton are unwilling to get tested for fear of being discriminated against if they test positive.
Meanwhile, Thomas also revealed that patients are beginning to recover from the virus and are being discharged. He noted that because many are symptomatic, they are only being discharged if they no longer display symptoms of the virus. The others who are displaying symptoms but are testing negative have resorted to treating themselves with “bush” medicine, which is assisting them in their recovery.
It is unclear which test is being used in Region Nine to detect COVID-19.
In a previous interview Thomas had called for more testing to be done in the Deep South Rupununi, with at least three persons from neighbouring indigenous community Maruranau testing positive for COVID-19. Aishalton is the hub for many communities in the Deep South Rupununi. Thomas had revealed that many persons, regardless of age in Aishalton, have been displaying moderate to severe symptoms of COVID-19.
This has sparked concern that a COVID-19 variant might be circulating in Region Nine.
Thomas also said that the vaccination drive is currently ongoing in the South Rupununi.
Aishalton first recorded multiple cases of the virus almost two weeks ago and its village council has since imposed stringent restrictions on the community, including a two-week long lockdown. More than 200 residents of the community have been affected by the virus’ presence but the community has been receiving support from Central Government and regional bodies.
