Region 6 continues its fight to keep the region COVID-19 free
—several screening sites established across the region
—residents encouraged to make use of facilities
DPI, Guyana, Monday, June 1, 2020
Regional Health Services officials in Region Six have been working tirelessly over the past few months to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus in the district.
Almost two months since its first recorded case and subsequent death, the regional authorities are continuing to screen persons entering the region either from Orealla-Sipiruta on the Corentyne River or at the Berbice Bridge.
Medical Officials perform a demonstration of how the screening is done
Medical Superintendent of New Amsterdam Hospital Dr. Vasana Henry
The screening facility that was recently established at the Port Mourant Hospital
Port Mourant Hospital
Medical Superintendent for the New Amsterdam Hospital, Dr. Vasana Henry told DPI, that additional testing is also being conducted at all four hospitals in the region, as well as at the recently established mobile testing site at the Port Mourant Hospital.
Currently, there are at least eight screening sites strategically located across the Region Six that are manned by the Regional Health Services team.
These sites collectively screen within 1,800 to 2,500 persons daily. Those that display the symptoms associated with COVID-19 are then referred for further testing and isolation and/or quarantine accordingly.
Dr. Henry noted that while there has only been one COVID-19 related death in the district, the health authorities are not letting up. Instead, plans are on stream to increase the efforts in light of the growing numbers nationally.
She called on residents to make use of the mobile testing facility in Port Mourant that is located at the back of the hospital compound.
The Medical Superintendent noted that many persons may be embarrassed or feel stigmatised and are reluctant to get tested. To this end. It was decided to have the facility situated away from the main entrance of the hospital to allow persons their privacy.
At the facility, the patients will be screened and then swabbed after which these samples are set to the capital city for testing. The results are usually returned within 48-72 hours during which time the patients are kept in isolation and contact tracing commences in the event the test is positive.
Dr. Henry again appealed to residents to consider their families and only venture out for essential services.
“Please stay at home and help us to flatten the curve so that we return to some level of normalcy. It will take longer if we continue to go out and lime or party. Remember it’s not only you at risk but you loved ones that will be affected as well.”