Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Captain Gerry Gouveia on Thursday confirmed that he tested positive for COVID-19.
He broke the news in a Facebook post, saying he is asymptomatic which means he is not displaying any symptoms associated with the virus.
He said he is now in self-isolation/quarantine and will be for the next seven days, pending another test.
The News Room reached out to Gouveia who said he was shocked to learn he was positive for coronavirus and that he only found out Thursday after undergoing a test on Wednesday.
He was tested along with Prime Minister Brigadier (rt’d) Mark Phillips and the two made preparations to travel to Barbados for the funeral of the late former Prime Minister, Owen Arthur.
“I just did the test, The Prime Minister did the test too with me and he is negative and I’m positive,” Gouveia told the News Room.
The PSC Chairman said he has already notified many persons he came into contact with in recent days and urged them to get tested as well.
“Everybody I’ve been in contact with have been notified, my family and the staff. Everybody was traced and sent to be tested,” he told the News Room.
Gouveia attended the inauguration of President Irfaan Ali at the weekend and was in his company earlier this week but said he wore his mask at all times and remained at arm lengths away from those he interacted with.
He regrets that the virus has now restricted his movement, although he has been in isolation for the last three months conducting his official business virtually.
“I regret that, especially as the Barbados Honorary Consul in Guyana, I am now unable to attend the funeral of this outstanding son of the Caribbean. I am following all the protocols required of COVID-19 victims and look forward to a full and speedy recovery.”
Gouveia said he has been advised to use lots of ginger, lime and Vitamin C and has been doing so along with daily exercises.
“I’m good I feel like a lion actually,” he assured while noting that he is unaware where he might have contracted the virus from.
He wants all persons who have been complacent in protecting themselves to change their behavior and follow all guidelines for safety.
Best of luck Gerry…..you fought and accounted well for the PSC during the shameful rigging process.