No severe COVID cases in recent months – Dr Anthony

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony says Guyana has not recorded any severe cases of COVID-19 in recent months, despite some mild and asymptomatic cases being detected, including among students in Berbice.

Speaking on the sidelines of an event on Friday, D  Anthony said the recent cases identified have not resulted in serious illness.

“We haven’t over several months seen any cases of severe COVID. What we have seen is these asymptomatic cases that we have had in Berbice,” he said.

Dr Anthony assured that treatment remains available across the country.

He said the antiviral medication Paxlovid continues to be available for persons who test positive and require treatment.

“Paxlovid is an antiviral medication that works very well against the COVID-19 virus. We have that and it’s available, and so if we detect people, we can treat them and we have been doing so,” Dr. Anthony explained.

While urging the public not to panic, the Health Minister encouraged persons experiencing symptoms to get tested, noting that COVID-19 can often appear similar to the flu.

“It’s nothing to worry about. However, there might be people who may be positive for COVID, but if they don’t come and get themselves checked, then we don’t know if they have COVID or not,” he said.

Dr Anthony explained that mild cases may present with symptoms such as fever, a runny nose, or an itchy throat, making it difficult to distinguish from other respiratory illnesses without testing.

He added that in more severe cases, persons can experience complications such as difficulty breathing and other health issues, which require medical attention.