Two new COVID-19 cases, six in ICU

Two more persons have tested positive for COVID-19 bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 286 as of July 9.

The Ministry of Public Health in its daily update on Thursday said there are 145 active cases of which six are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

It was disclosed that 69% of the positive cases are in Region One. The Ministry did not disclose where the new cases were confirmed on July 9 but up to July 8, a total of 93 cases were recorded in the Barima-Waini Region.

A total of 125 persons have recovered from COVID-19 so far accounting for 46% of all cases 6% have died.

According to the Ministry of Public Health, a survey conducted in collaboration with UNICEF has indicated that persons’ fear of the deadly disease has decreased from 81.6 % to 53.5%.

As such, it was found that more persons are not adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines.

“Fear moved from 82 % to 54% indicating that there may be fatigue when it comes to the public’s response to the messages concerning COVID 19. It is important that you understand that despite the 6 % death rate that there is no prediction as to who will have a fatal case or a mild one and therefore it is in your best interest to prevent infection in the first place,” the Ministry outlined in its statement.

The Ministry said 30% of respondents reported that they are unwilling to give up their daily practice and adhere to guidelines provided while.

Over 70% of respondents indicated that they wear a mask when out in public, 58% of respondents indicated that they observe the 6 feet social distancing as per the guidelines and 76% of the respondents indicated that they wash or sanitize their hands frequently.