Miners with COVID-19 symptoms urged to get tested

The Ministry of Health on Friday issued a special appeal to members of the mining community to get tested if they are experiencing symptoms of the deadly COVID-19 disease.

“We ask that those of you on the coastland ensure that if you are unwell and have the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 that you seek medical assistance before returning to the mining community,” Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Karen Gordon-Boyle urged in her daily update Friday.

She continued, “We also ask that if any member of the mining camp has signs and symptoms of this disease that they are immediately isolated on camp and that contact is made with the nearest health facility so that guidance is given. We ask that persons avoid making self-diagnosis and treating themselves.

“The Ministry of Public Health continues to work in the best interest of all our citizens and is depending on you to do your part.”

Just this week, the Guyana Human Rights  Association called on the national COVID-19 Task Force to remove mining from the essential list of services gazetted in the emergency COVID-19 measures because of the high-risk.

But the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) in a statement Friday said mining is an essential industry and as such must continue to function.