…22 have died already for the year
By Lisa Hamilton
A total of six persons have died in Guyana in less than a week as a result of contracting COVID-19.
On February 7, a 74-year-old male from Region Four died. Two days later, on February 9, an 82-year-old female from Region Ten died at her home.
The next day, February 10, two persons — an 83-year-old from Region Four and a 90-year-old from Region Five — died while receiving care.
Then, the next day, February 11, two more persons lost their lives. Males aged 84 and 54, who died while receiving care. This brings the total to 186 deaths.
According to information gathered from the Ministry of Health, there have been 22 COVID-19-related deaths in Guyana since the start of the year 2021. While 13 persons died in January, 9 have died thus far in February with more than half of the month still to go.
Research shows that the oldest person to have died thus far this year was 90 years old while the youngest thus far this year was 39 years old. However, the most prevalent ages of COVID-19 deaths for the year thus far are those in their 80s and 50s. This is followed by those in their 70s and 60s.
Much criticism of the current Administration’s management of the virus since taking office in August 2020 has come from the APNU+AFC Opposition.
Guyana recorded its first COVID-19-related death on March 11, 2020 under then APNU+AFC Government. Data shows that from March 11 to August 2 when they demitted Office – a period of six months — the previous Administration recorded a total of 21 COVID-19 related deaths.
However, from August 4, 2020 to February 12, 2021 – seven months — the country has recorded 165 additional COVID-19 deaths. Arguably, the APNU+AFC coalition managed the virus during its beginning stage.
Even so, former President, David Granger has stated: “We feel that there has been failure on the part of the PPP to protect the population from this deadly disease.”
On the contrary, current Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony has assured the Opposition that the Ministry of Health is being proactive in its management of COVID-19 in Guyana. This, he said, is inclusive of monitoring new COVID-19 strains and acquiring ample vaccines.
Only on Thursday, the first COVID-19 vaccine was administered in Guyana at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
Minister Anthony said: “This might look like a very simple moment but it marks – I would say – the beginning of the turnaround of this pandemic in Guyana. Our intention is to ensure that we reach herd immunity which means that, over the next couple of months…there are persons who are totally against vaccines and that’s not going to be helpful in this fight against the pandemic. Around the world this is a very scarce commodity and therefore, once we’re getting it, we want to ensure that we can get in into the arms of people as quickly as possible.”
