Region One leading Guyana’s COVID vaccination coverage

Region One (Barima-Waini) has the highest vaccination rate in the country, according to statistics released by Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony on Tuesday.

The region, which was once a COVID-19 hotspot, has recorded some 72.9 per cent of its population getting vaccinated.

Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) continues to record the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rate in the country; this is followed by Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Dr. Anthony, who was speaking during his daily COVID-19 update on Tuesday, revealed that 21 per cent of the population in Region 10 received their COVID vaccine.

There is a 39.7 per cent vaccination rate in Region Eight.

“I really urge the leadership in these regions to encourage the citizens within their communities to get out and get the vaccine,” Dr. Anthony implored.

Persons against taking the vaccines in Linden, Region 10, staged a protest on August 11 and blocked the Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge after unvaccinated staff and those seeking medical attention were denied entry into the Linden Hospital Complex.

The Health Ministry later announced that some workers will be given a two- week period to comply with the new vaccine rules.

Health care workers as well as operators of minibuses, taxis and speed boat operators are now mandated to take the jab.

Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony on Tuesday said 5,505 persons received their jabs on Monday, August 16, “the highest number of persons coming to get vaccines.”

Statistics from other regions in their vaccination campaigns were also released on Monday and are as follows: Region Two (51.6 per cent); Region Three (57.2 per cent), Region Four (63.7 per cent); Region Five (59.9 per cent); Region Six (65.2 per cent) and Region Seven (61.5 per cent) and Region Nine (69.1 per cent).

The overall statistics show 59.7 per cent of the adult population have received their first dose, while 30.7 per cent are fully vaccinated.