Adequate infrastructure for patient care in Region Seven −Minister Anthony

Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony says several persons affected by COVID-19 in Bartica, Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven), have been placed in institutional isolation. However, the majority of the 62 active cases in the region are quarantined at home.

In his COVID-19 update yesterday, the Minister gave assurances that adequate infrastructure and medical staff, are in place to treat patients.  There are teams in central Bartica and mobile teams to treat cases in other riverine communities.

“We have established quarantine facilities there. We have all the facilities that are necessary and the medical team on the ground would decide which of these facilities to use as the case may demand.”

With regards to the gazetted Emergency Measures for December, Dr. Anthony said Government’s decision to restrict travel into and out of the region is to protect both residents and visitors.

“We want to reduce the amount of people going in and out of that area because of the potential for coming into contact with people who might be positive.”

The Minister also said systems for testing are also already in place in the Region.

“This week, we will also start introducing antigen testing, which is different from the PCR. This antigen test can take about 20 minutes to do. It can be performed at the point where you’re taking off the swab,” he explained.

The Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on the other hand, takes about 24 hours to process.  This test is usually used in situations where there is suspicion of a high incidence of the disease.

Minister Anthony also said local law enforcement officers have been alerted to ensure that persons adhere to the COVID-19 precautionary measures.