More than 4,700 children tested positive for COVID-19 since 2020

Since March 2020, a total of 4,766 children across Guyana have been infected with the novel coronavirus, according to the Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony.

During his daily COVID-19 update on Thursday, the Health Minister explained that the infection rates differ by age group. Children between the ages of 16 to 17 were most affected, recording some 1,042 infections out of the more than 4,700 cases.

The other cases, broken down by age group are as follows:

1. Children aged 14 to 15- 821 cases
2. Children aged 12 to 13- 630 cases
3. Children aged 10 to 11- 518 cases
4. Children aged 8 to 9- 476 cases
5. Children aged 6 to 7- 394 cases
6. Children aged 4 to 5- 350 cases
7. Children aged 2 to 3- 293 cases
8. Children aged 0 to 1- 242 cases

For context, Guyana has recorded a total of 37,613 cases since March, 2020. That means, some 32,847 adults have been affected with COVID-19. Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony noted that 10 children died after becoming infected with the disease; the country’s overall death toll is 983.

It is important to note that more recently, children aged 12 years and older have started to receive the US-made Pfizer vaccines. The Health Minister has indicated the government’s desire to vaccinate children aged five to 11 years old too but the vaccination of these children is contingent upon the acquisition of special Pfizer vaccines.