A just over 25% decrease in COVID-19 deaths and an almost 40% decrease in infections were reported in October as compared to the previous month.
September, 2021, was the deadliest month of the pandemic in Guyana since the initial outbreak in March, 2020, as over 170 deaths were reported. It was also the month with the highest number of infections reported, with 6,279 new cases. Both deaths and the number of infections were suspected to have been driven by the suspected presence of the Delta variant of the virus in Guyana.
An analysis of the reports on deaths and statistics released from the Ministry of Health’s daily COVID-19 dashboards shows a 26.7% decrease in the number of COVID-19 deaths from September to October and a 39.5% decrease in infections.
However, with some 126 deaths, October is the month with the second highest number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic. There was also a decrease in the total number of tests done by 25%.
At the start of last week, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony confirmed that there was a decline in cases across the country.
Notwithstanding the still high number of deaths and infections, the government has shortened the national curfew, which is now 12 am to 4 am, under its updated emergency measures.
The decision, which would see businesses including bars and restaurants, being allowed to open until 11 pm, raised eyebrows when it was gazetted.
Asked whether he was concerned that there would be an increase in cases due to the relaxation of the curfew, the minister stated it would depend on people’s attitude as they have had over a year and a half to understand the disease and the necessary precautions that should be taken to prevent the spread.
Anthony also stressed the importance of persons becoming fully vaccinated against the virus as he noted that as more persons become fully inoculated the public will see a drop in the number of cases recorded.
While some 134 deaths were announced by the ministry during October [the figure includes some deaths that occurred in September], 102 or approximately 76% were unvaccinated. The remainder were either partially vaccinated, fully vaccinated or their vaccine status was not known.
In a bid to force greater uptake among persons who are still to receive their second doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, the government now requires that persons be fully vaccinated and show proof in order to access public buildings or spaces, failing which they would have to make an appointment for a visit and show proof of a negative PCR COVID test. Previously, persons who received only one dose of a vaccine were permitted unrestricted access to public places.
“Now if you only have one dose of the vaccine, it’s not going to be adequate for you to get full protection and that is why this measure is necessary so that people get both doses of a two-dose vaccine,” Anthony last week, while observing that from the ministry’s data, a large number of persons received their first dose of a vaccine and never returned for their appointment for second doses.
As a result, the minister noted that no exceptions would be made for persons with only first doses as it related to entering public buildings. He added, “No, we have adequate vaccines for second doses. Whether it’s AstraZeneca, the Sputnik V, Sinopharm, we have adequate doses available and therefore people should go and get their vaccine.”
Despite the announced measures, there has been little to no enforcement of the restriction on access to public places, except by banks and some businesses, which have been requiring proof of vaccination for entry.
