Health Ministry, CDC to host 3-day COVID-19 outreach in Reg 7

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, July 15, 2020

The Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), will be conducting a three-day visit to three frontline villages in Region Seven.

In a press statement, Regional Health Officer (RHO) of Region Seven, Dr. Edward Sagala explained that the visit is crucial to the efforts to tackle COVID-19 in the area, especially because of the region’s terrain.

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Regional Health Officer of Region Seven, Dr. Edward Sagala

“Cuyuni-Mazaruni is the second largest region in Guyana. Given its size and geographic peculiarities, accessibility […] to ensure proper health care, is difficult and challenging, and can only be done by river or air transportation, since roads are in bad condition and, in some parts, non-existent,” said Dr. Sagala.

Activities to be conducted include: setting up three pre-fabricated houses as isolation facilities; assessing the movement of persons and their adherence to the COVID-19 protocols; conducting screening (inclusive of sampling) for COVID-19; and a refresher training for healthcare workers.

The team will also use the opportunity to supply Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), and a number of medical supplies, including vaccines for children.

The villages the team will be dispatched to are Arau, Kaikan and Eteringbang, from July 15-18, 2020.

Dr. Sagala stated that other current areas of concern are Aranka, Oku and Bartica. Bartica has recorded 11 cases, while Aranka and Oku account for most other cases.

Recently, a visiting Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) team, in Aranka tested 100 persons and six results returned positive.

The total number of positive cases in the entire Region Seven currently stands at 48, with 17 persons in isolation. The Region has also recorded 1 death.

Dr. Sagala further reminded residents that there is currently no COVID-19 vaccine available and urged them to follow all public health measures and protocols.

 

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