The Ministry of Health in a release to the media has confirmed that the COVID-19 related death toll has now climbed to 25. According to the Ministry’s release, two persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and a third who died while receiving care at Bartica Hospital and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19.
The patients who died in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the GPHC were both males, ages ninety-three and eighty-seven. Up until their passing, the two were receiving expert care for the difficult complications associated with COVID-19. The ministry said the patient who passed away at the Bartica Hospital, is a resident of Region One, but at the time of his hospitalisation was working in the mining community in the Cuyuni River, Region 7. This male, who is thirty-two years old was rushed to the hospital with suspicions of malaria, but was later swabbed because of his previous contact with other possible cases at his work site.
The MOH is in contact with all relatives and other contacts to facilitate contact tracing and rapid assistance to everyone who may have been exposed. The Ministry is asking that patients confidentiality be respected and the families be allowed to mourn in peace. Meanwhile, members of the public are encouraged to observe the COVID-19 EMERGENCY MEASURES #8 published in the Official Gazette on 14 August. 2020 which emphasises the need to practice physical distancing at least 6ft apart, using a facemask correctly and consistently when leaving homes and practicing good handing washing hygiene to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The Health Ministry expresses sincerest condolences to the family of these three persons and will make every effort to provide all the necessary support during this difficult time to assist the families to deal with the situation.
Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers 231 1166, 226 7480 or 180/181 for assistance.