12 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Region One

Guyana has confirmed 12 new cases of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) hours after relaxing some of its COVID-19 restrictions which were in place since April 3. This brings the total number of cases to 183.

The 12 new confirmations came from 42 tests done in the past 24 hours.

The Ministry of Public Health in its daily update noted that all of the new positive cases are from Region One (Barima –Waini) “which showed a 100% increase in their number of positive cases,” there.

A total of 2,048 persons were tested so far for the disease from which there were 1,865 negative results.

One hundred and two persons have recovered to date with 12 deaths.

As such, there are 69 active cases in institutional isolation.

There are 24 cases in Institutional quarantine.

The Ministry of Public Health provided the analysis below of all the positive cases:

• 52% are males and 48% females
• The age groups with the most cases are the 20-29, 30-39 and 40-49; in essence we are talking about the adults. Of that groups the 20-29 has the highest number.
• Region 4 has 56% of the cases, followed by Region 7 with 16% and Region 1 with 13%. The 3 regions represent 85% of all the COVID-19 cases. The other 5 regions have 15% of the cases

Conclusions from this analysis clearly indicate that there is a need for behavior change among the adult population especially men in the 20-29 age group, the ministry said.

The National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) on Wednesday approved a phased relaxation of the COVID-19 measures.

The Ministry of Health is urging citizens to adhere strictly to all the guidelines issued by the Ministry.

“We continue to plead with our residents in the hinterland communities to act responsibly, your health as well as that of your family is at great risk, for studies have shown that for every person that is positive approximately three persons will be infected by that individual,” the statement outlined.

Persons experiencing any symptoms are asked to seek medical attention immediately so that the essential care and treatment can be provided.