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-as COVID-19 cases increase
-increased testing for Region Six
The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Six has restricted travel between Siparuta and Orealla, East Berbice – Corentyne (Region Six) due to the number of COVID-19 cases detected in the former community over the past few days.
Some 30 COVID-19 cases have been recorded in Siparuta, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony announced Monday. The Minister said “Over the last three to four days, we’ve had medical teams from Region Six going into Orealla and Siparuta, working with the community and talking to the Village Council to try to help them understand the precautionary measures that should be taken.”
The Minister noted that more tests would also be administered in the village. An assessment will also be done to determine if a lockdown is necessary.
Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, David Armogan said the decision to restrict travel was made following a consultation with relevant officials regarding the distance between both communities and its easy accessibility.
“We will stop the travel between the two communities until we have complete testing in both Siparuta and Orealla. And now, equipped with an additional medical team, we will be able to test almost everyone in those communities,” he said, during a Zoom meeting with Region Six reporters on Monday.
Currently, the administration is conducting contact tracing of those infected and Armogan said the administration has also increased police presence in the Siparuta village since some persons who have tested positive have refused to stay home.
“We are working very closely with the police force to strengthen the enforcement to ensure persons are complying with the guidelines outlined by the Ministry of Health,” he added.
The Regional Chairman said difficult cases would be sent to the isolation facility in Springlands while those who are asymptomatic would be quarantined in Siparuta.
Additionally, the administration is monitoring and conducting more testing at Vryman’s Erven, Angoy’s Avenue and Canje communities, which have been identified as COVID-19 hotspots.
Currently, the Civil Defence Commission, the National COVID-19 Task Force and the regional administration are working together to curb transmission of the disease.
As of Monday morning, the administration sent 73 additional samples for testing. (DPI)
