Region 7 set on flattening COVID-19 curve
DPI, Guyana, Monday, June 1, 2020
On Friday last, the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud noted with great concern that Region 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) accounted for 10 percent of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Guyana.
Dr. Shamdeo further pointed out that cases in the region moved from 1 to 15 in less than twenty days.
Previously, the region had set up a Regional Task Force, before even recording its first case to intensify its COVID-19 prevention initiatives.
Mayor of Bartica, His Worship Gifford Marshall stated that the township of Bartica and the Region by extension, are continuing to do their best to flatten the COVID-19 curve in Region 7.
“In addition to the precautionary measures put out by the Ministry of Health, internally the Municipality and also the Region, have started sanitisation exercises,” Mayor Marshall said.
Last week, the Town Council of Bartica, in partnership with the Bartica Fire Station, the Regional Democratic Council, Farm Supplies and members of the private sector, began sanitisation of central Bartica, a practice they intend to expand as part of the countermeasures to conquer the deadly COVID-19.
Moreover, ‘hygiene corners’ have also been established in a number of public and private spaces and procedures set in place to facilitate educating residents and spreading further awareness.
“In addition to that, screening points would have also been established in strategic locations in Region 7, such as Itaballi, Karrau and various locations in Bartica. This is to support the national fight in terms of tackling COVID-19.”
The Mayor noted that the cooperation of residents in conjunction with these measures is the best bid in flattening the curve in the region.
“We have been seeing individuals not adhering to the public health advisories and that is a matter of concern for us. If they blatantly disregard the Public Health advisories then we have an issue. If our citizens adhere to the public health advisories then definitely, we will see a flattening of the curve.”
He reminded that the vastness of the hinterland region presents difficulties, nevertheless, as such residents must take responsibility for the safety of themselves and their families.
“In the interior, some mining camps, or mining areas […] do not have a police presence. And in those areas, citizens still have a responsibility to adhere to the curfew and precautionary measures that are in place. But what we have been seeing is they are operating very relaxed and not taking those seriously,” Mayor Marshall stated.
“Citizens have a responsibility and we want them to adhere to their part even as the authorities do their part,” the Mayor emphasised.
As of June 1, 2020, Guyana, has recorded 153 COVID-19 cases, inclusive of 12 deaths and 70 recoveries.