Reg. 10 Vice-Chairman dies from COVID-19

The Vice-Chairman of Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice), Douglas Gittens passed away on Sunday afternoon, after he was infected with the disease, COVID-19.

His death was confirmed by Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr. Gregory Harris. The News Room understands that Gittens was admitted to the Upper Demerara hospital after complaining of feeling unwell on Friday, June 11. He passed away while receiving treatment at this hospital.

Gittens was a Regional Councillor and teacher of the Mackenzie High School, in Region 10. He represented the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU-AFC) party. He is the second Regional Councillor to have died in Region 10 from the dreaded virus, the first being PPP Councillor, Gem Narine.

According to a release from the Regional Democratic Council – Region 10, Gittens tested positive for COVID-19 though he took his first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine on May 27.

After taking this dose, but before he was scheduled to receive his second dose, Gittens, reportedly, traveled to various areas in Region 10, including Kwakwani, to aid with relief efforts.

The release noted that he subsequently felt unwell, and on Friday, he began suffering from symptoms of COVID-19, including a loss of taste. As such, he went to the hospital for a COVID-19 test, and later, his results showed that he was COVID-19 positive.