Guyana records 31 COVID-19 cases

DPI, Guyana, Monday, April 6, 2020

The total number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Guyana now stands at thirty-one (31) as of April 6, 2020. The number of deaths remains at four.

This was disclosed by Public Health Minister Hon. Volda Lawrence in her update to the nation today.

A total of 115 persons have been tested for the period February 26- April 6, 2020. Of this amount, 31 have tested positive (inclusive of the four deaths). Another 84 have tested negative with the one inconclusive case proving negative after the mandatory 14 days isolation.

Thirty-five persons are in institutional quarantine by the Ministry of Public Health across three regions. The breakdown is as follows in Region Three – ten persons; Region Four – 22 persons and Region Six – three.

Currently, 23 patients are in institutional isolation.

The Public Health Minister also revealed that three family members of Guyana’s first case who had tested positive have since taken two post isolation tests which recorded a negative status for all three relatives.

Additionally, eight persons associated with this index case have recovered after isolation.

The number of persons hospitalised in the COVID-19 ICU is eight, one of whom is critical.

Calls to the COVID-19 hotline now totals 1,495.

As of April 6, 2020, WHO records the global figure of confirmed cases at 1,133,758 while the number of deaths stands at 62,784. In the Region of the Americas, there are 315,714 confirmed cases and 8187. Deaths.

The Ministry of Public Health again called on citizens to heed the Emergency Orders put in place against COVID-19 spread. In particular, she noted that persons are not adhering to the curfew and reminded of the seriousness of the situation and underscored the need for persons to stay at home.

“Fellow Guyanese, your cooperation is critical. I appeal to you, STAY HOME. During the day, if you must go out, ensure that your nose and mouth are covered. Protect yourselves from these invisible little droplets that are lurking around as you speak, cough or sneeze; they are responsible for the spread of this infectious disease.”

Citizens are also asked to always practice social/physical distancing in the workplace, public spaces, and while using public transportation to reduce the spread of the coronavirus diseases.