Dear Editor,
The month of February ended on a positive note: no deaths on the last three days of the month. These three no-deaths days were carried over to the first day of March as well making it four consecutive days of no deaths. This was certainly good news and suggests, at the very least, a welcome lull in this pandemic. Given that a death occurred every day in January 2022 persons might be wondering if this is unprecedented or some kind of record. It is in the spirit of momentarily exhaling during this lull that the following is offered. February 18 to February 22, 2021 (5 days); July 25 to August 1, 2020 (7 days); August 5 to August 15, 2020 (11 days); May 6 to May 24, 2020 (19 days); and May 31 to July 1, 2020 (32 days) were all longer intervals of no deaths on consecutive days.
Of course, given the stark reality of post recording of deaths this could all change for these four days. The longest post recording of the death interval so far is 215 days. That is, on November 25, 2021 the Ministry of Health posted an April 22, 2021 death (https://www.stabroeknews.com/2021/11/26/news/guyana/covid-death-toll-up-by-three-89-new-cases/)[the death was posted on the 25th and properly covered by Stabroek News on the 26th, the coverage on the 25th did not state the date of death].
It is most likely that this virus still has a few surprises left. Thus, all Guyanese are encouraged to stay vigilant and follow the COVID-19 protocols: get your first or second jab, wear an N95 mask, maintain social distance, sanitize, get your booster shot when eligible and remind and encourage others to do the same. Unfortunately, only 21% of adults eligible for the booster shot have gotten the jab (the booster shot provides additional protection above and beyond the second dose). Put another way, over 160,000 eligible adults have yet to take their booster shots.
Yours faithfully,
Ellis Dee
