Rapid contact tracing in Bartica as COVID-19 cases rise

Health officials are now conducting contact tracing in Bartica, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, (Region Seven), following a reported rise in COVID-19 cases in the mining town.

In early November, there were 39 reported cases in the Region, with Bartica reporting 10 positive cases at the time. Figures stalled for a while; however, today, the Region reported 49 active cases, 42 of which are from Bartica.

“We are taking all the necessary precautions in Bartica. We are doing contact tracing.  We are monitoring these patients who have tested positive, and that’s being done by the Regional Health Task Force. Most of these persons are either going to be isolated at home, or they’re going to be in our isolation facilities, the two options that we offer to patients who have tested positive,” Minister Anthony said during Tuesday’s COVID-19 update.

Of the remaining positive cases, two were recorded in Issano, one each in Byderabo, Eteringbang, Kaikan and Arau and the origin of the last one is still be determined.

In the meantime, the Ministry continues to monitor Warapoka, Barima-Waini (Region One), which has reported 18 positive cases today.  On Monday, the community had 14 cases.

Minister Anthony said if the need arises, the plan implemented in Kwebanna will be employed in Warapoka to stem transmission of the disease.