Guyana’s Quarantine Facilities
─4 persons isolated 30 quarantined
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, March 26, 2020
Guyana confirmed its first Novel Coronavirus case approximately two weeks ago. In that short, yet critical period, the nation’s Public Health Ministry has provided preventive measures, including quarantine facilities.
Joining the battle to reduce and prevent the impact of the Novel Coronavirus, is the Civil Defense Commission (CDC).
Speaking to DPI, Director-General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, provided updates on Guyana’s quarantine facilities currently available.
CDC Director-General, Lt. Col. Kester Craig
“Isolation is for positive cases, while quarantine aims at persons of interest and those under observation that may have come into contact with a positive case,” Lt. Craig explained.
Craig said that both isolation and quarantine have two forms – there is home isolation and institutionalised isolation, and home quarantine and institutionalised quarantine.
Isolation facilities will house patients who have tested positive for COVID-19, while quarantine facilities will accommodate those displaying flu-like symptoms, but have tested negative for COVID-19. Negative cases will remain at the facility for 14 days under observation.
In partnering with the Ministry of Public Health, the CDC has implemented a system whereby family members of the patients can provide food and other items. It is advised that said items are boxed and appropriately labelled. Those items can be delivered to the CDC’s compound in Thomas Lands. For directions, one may call 600-7500, 226-1114 or 226-1117.
Craig advised Guyanese to take all needed safeguards in the fight against COVID-19.
“I want everyone to know that this is a serious virus that can significantly impact the country. We need to be very serious in terms of our actions and attitude. We are pleading with you to take the necessary precautions, the biggest one being social distancing.”
The quarantine and isolation facilities remain unknown to protect patients’ privacy. To date, four persons are isolated and 30 are quarantined at the various facilities.