By Vishani Ragobeer
Guyana has recorded 101 deaths from the novel coronavirus in just under two months, following the deaths of a man and a woman on Sunday, as reported by the Ministry of Health.
The latest fatalities are a 53-year-old woman from Region 4 (Demerara-Mahaica) and a 67-year-old man from Region 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne). According to the Health Ministry, both individuals died while receiving care at a medical facility. These individuals would be recorded as the second and third deaths for May. There is now a total of 301 deaths locally.
The first known infection and subsequently, death from the disease, COVID-19 was recorded on March 11, 2020. In about one year – from March 11, 2020, to March 4, 2021 – Guyana recorded exactly 200 deaths.
However, from March 4 to now, Guyana has seen a surge in both the number of additional people infected daily and the number of lives lost due to COVID-19. In just two months since March 4, 101 lives have been lost.
In April alone, the deadliest month of the pandemic so far, 65 individuals who were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the disease COVID-19, lost their lives.
Previously, October 2020 was the deadliest month of the pandemic locally. In that month, 44 deaths were recorded. Since April 22, however, October’s total was equalled. Between April 22 and May 3, 24 deaths have been recorded.
The surge in the number of deaths recorded locally has been accompanied by a surge in infections which, logically, has resulted in an increase in hospitalisations and contributed to that death toll. There were a total of 3,034 new infections in April; the previous highest total was 1,664 recorded in March 2021. April’s total meant that 1,370 more people were infected.
When asked recently about the surge in cases and deaths in April, which signals a third wave in Guyana, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony underscored that there are no new or novel measures for prevention.
“We know that to prevent disease, we have to prevent transmission. You prevent transmission by keeping a social distance, you have to avoid crowded environments (and) you have to wear a mask,” Dr Anthony explained.
Meanwhile, President Dr Irfaan Ali was stinging in his rebuke of those who continue to go about their activities in a reckless manner and are flouting the COVID-19 guidelines.
At a press conference held at his official residence, State House in Georgetown, he emphasized, “The lives of people matter and we cannot be this reckless.”
The Head-of-State also said that the government will put more soldiers and policemen on the ground to ensure compliance.
When it comes to bars and entertainment spots, he said the National COVID-19 Task Force has been asked to consider charging the owners. The President suggested that jailing everyone who flouts the guidelines may not be the most practical approach.
