‘Worrying increase’ of COVID cases in Region Six

Nationwide, there has been a general reduction in the number of people becoming infected with COVID-19 but in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), there has been a “worrying increase” in cases.

This is according to the Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony who spoke during his daily COVID-19 update on Friday.

According to figures he provided, in August, there were 174 people in the region infected with COVID-19. In September, that number increased to 222 and by October, it increased even further to 363.

But, as of Friday, the total cases in the region increased to 512. This means that 149 new infections had already been recorded in the region for the month of November; there are still five more days left in the month.

“… All of these cases are now not active but it shows a worrying trend that we are heading towards more cases in the region,” Dr. Anthony pointed out.

Additionally, there have been 12 COVID-19 related deaths recorded in the region for November so far. Last month, a total of 11 deaths were recorded.

Cognisant of these increases in this region, Dr. Anthony reasoned that the local health authorities may have to examine whether more stringent measures may be needed in the region to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

He also made a fervent appeal for residents of the region to take their COVID-19 vaccines so that they would be protected from experiencing the more severe and life-threatening symptoms of the disease.