Reg 1. RHO dispels false reports of neglect at Moruca’s isolation facility
DPI, Guyana, Monday, July 20, 2020
Region One, Regional Health Officer, Dr. Steven Cheefoon has called on media outlets to be responsible in their reporting and desist from disseminating false information that can create panic amongst residents particularly during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Cheefoon was responding to reports that have been circulated by some news agencies about the alleged unhygienic conditions of the isolation facilities in Moruca in the Barima-Waini Region.
“If we were not doing a proper job with our hygiene, we would have cross-contamination,” he said, adding, “how is it then that we have 43 recoveries in less than a month. Those are the questions we need to ask ourselves before making fallacious statements.”
The RHO reiterated that no one is allowed to enter the facilities without Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
“I dispel any rumour about persons entering our facilities without PPEs. That has never happened, it will never happen and it can never happen,” Dr. Cheefoon underscored.
The facilities, he noted are well stocked with the necessary supplies, and equipped with maids and porters.
“All of our facilities at all times are stocked with a weekly supply of PPEs and our storeroom is managed by a bond clerk, who ensures that we always have two weeks supply of stocks on hand.”
The patients, the RHO assured are receiving the best possible care even as the community grapples with a rise in cases over the past month.
Moruca currently has 48 active cases and has recorded 43 recoveries over the past month. One person has since died as a result of the virus.
“All of our patients are seen by doctors and nurses within the hours of 8am to 1pm and sometimes after. Patients receive breakfast from 7am to 9am and lunch is served from noon to 2pm,” he detailed.
Dr. Cheefoon noted that the patients in isolation are sedentary and as have lower metabolic rates. “Therefore, we encourage our patients to stay safe and practice all the health and safety measures to ensure they are not re-infecting
Stringent measures have been implemented to monitor the movement of persons in and out of the community.