Two children test positive for COVID-19 in Region 9
−Total confirmed cases in the region stand at three
DPI, Guyana, Monday, June 22, 2020
Region Nine, Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo has recorded two new cases of COVID-19 as of Monday, June 22, 2020. The two cases are children who live in Bon Fin Brazil but attend school in Lethem.
This is according to Regional Health Officer, Dr. Naail Uthman who gave an update to residents in the region via social media.
Dr. Uthman explained that on Friday last 19 samples were taken from persons quarantined in Lethem and two of those tests returned positive. He also noted that though the children live in Bon Fin, one had a recently travelled to Boa Vista, exposing him to positive cases in that area.
The two students have since been transferred from quarantine to institutional isolation at the Lethem Regional Hospital where they will be under 24-hour observation.
In sharing the news, Dr. Uthman said, “We ask that this information is treated with caution and please respect the privacy of not only the two children but their parents and extended families as well, they are obviously traumatized at this particular point in time and the health department will continue to provide psychosocial support for both of them.”
The RHO also used this opportunity to remind residents in Guyana and Bon Fin to minimise transmission of the coronavirus by staying home, avoid crossing the border while taking heed to all COVID-19 measures which remain in place.
Noting that Guyana’s borders with Brazil are very fluid, Dr. Uthman urged, “please let us stay on our side of the border. Guyanese in Lethem and further afield please do not go over to Lethem. Guyanese who are in Bon Fin and further afield please do not come over to Guyana.”
The two new cases are now added to the first imported case which was recorded in the region back in May. According to Dr. Uthman that patient, who had absconded local isolation and returned home to Bon Fin, had been apprehended and isolated by Brazilian health authorities.
Dr. Uthman noted as the RHO of Region Nine, he is mandated to provide official information regarding the COVID-19 status in the region and appealed to residents and other persons across the country to not post unconfirmed information.
In an update provided on Monday by the Public Health Ministry, a call was made to the residents in bordering communities especially those neighbouring Brazil and Suriname to remain vigilant as the COVID-19 situation in these two countries worsens daily.