“Seek advice from reputable sources” – CMO Dr. Shamdeo Persaud

DPI, Guyana, Monday, April 13, 2020

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud is urging persons to seek information concerning the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) from reputable sources.

His statement comes at a time when Guyana’s total number of infected persons continue to rise during the pandemic.

Appearing on the National Communications Network’s COVID-19 Conversations, Dr. Persaud noted that in the digital age, it is easy for persons to misdiagnose themselves following instructions on the internet.

“Don’t just google and follow whatever directions come up first,” he cautioned as he urged persons to utilise the services of reputable sources. “We would really like people to get reputable advice from trusted sources.”

The Public Health Official added that as part of the efforts to make information easily accessible for citizens, the Ministry of Public Health has several operational hotline numbers that members of the public can call to access information.

“We have been publishing numbers quite a lot, not only the health EOC and the emergency numbers here in Georgetown. All of the regions now have established phone lines in which you can call.”

These numbers can be found on the Ministry of Public Health’s official website and social media pages. A call was also made for persons to seek information online using trusted sites such as the Ministry’s website and the World Health Organisation.

In addition to this, Dr. Persaud suggested persons utilise the help of family members who are employed within the health sector explaining that these persons may be able to guide individuals to reputable and trusted information.

Persons are advised to call the emergency hotline number if they suspect they are experiencing a symptom of COVID-19 and seek assistance. Symptoms of the novel coronavirus include fatigue, fever, coughing and in severe cases, respiratory problems.