Almost 80 per cent of COVID-19 cases have recovered

Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony, says the recovery rate of COVID-19 patients in Guyana has been quite good with almost 80 per cent of cases having already recovered.   

During Friday’s COVID-19 update, Minister Anthony discussed the number of confirmed cases in the country, which had just crossed 5000. As of Saturday evening, the figure stood at 5,093, with the recovery figure at 4,018.   

Dr. Anthony said while it is not reason enough to celebrate, he is pleased with the rate nonetheless and is confident of further improvement once COVID-19 guidelines are followed.   

“Most of those (infected) persons have already recovered. We’ve had maybe about 4,000 or so persons who have recovered, so, I think our rate of recovery has been quite good.”

Using Kwebanna, Barima-Waini, (Region One) as an example, where there are no longer any active cases after several weeks of lockdown, Minister Anthony said that proved there could be complete recovery once the COVID-19 measures were followed. 

“There are a couple of things the team would normally do, but I guess the main one is really working with the Village Council to ensure that the residents of the community comply. If we don’t have compliance then we will see an escalation of cases, we feel where people are more compliant with the guidelines … then we are able to actively reduce the cases. In addition, of course, we had put in some measures like restriction of movements.”

Minister Anthony said these techniques used at Kwebanna are being implemented at St. Cuthbert’s Mission, with evident positive results. 

“We are happy that we are making progress in terms of discharge at (St. Cuthbert’s Mission), and we will continue to monitor the situation.” 

Meanwhile, the Minister said the country still has about 700 active COVID-19 cases, and this is cause for concern.  

“Our challenge really is that small percentage of people, 20 per cent or so who will require hospitalisation, then a smaller set of people probably about 4 per cent who require ICU care. Those who require ICU care we are providing that care, but, you know, those are really critical patients, and unfortunately a percentage of those, we lose them. It is still a challenge, but generally, most of the persons who have had COVID-19 have recovered.” 

Minister Anthony again urged citizens to follow the COVID-19 guidelines to protect themselves and their families.