Regions One (Barima-Waini) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) which share borders with continental neighbours, have implemented measures to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), Health Minister Volda Lawrence said today during her daily COVID-19 update.
Barima-Waini is rolling out an action plan geared at prevention while detecting suspected cases early and containing local transmission. The Minister said that the Mabaruma Regional Hospital has developed an External Triage area and a coloured hand band system for differentiation of the cases.
Also, a separate isolation facility has been established with the capacity to house at least eight persons and a quarantine area with capacity for two persons which will be expanded as the need arises.
Hand washing stations have been installed at the entrance of the regional hospital while cleaners have already begun sanitization of floors and surfaces every two hours.
Region One shares much of its borders with Venezuela which has reported 129 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of March 31, 2020.
In Region Six, two of the municipalities – Corriverton and New Amsterdam – have implemented curfews and social distancing measures to have fewer persons out in the public while ensuring local businesses and public offices adhere to the health advisories published by the Public Health Ministry.
Fumigation of public places by the Environmental Health team commenced and is being carried out daily. All health facilities in the region have separate screening areas upon entry, also wash sinks are strategically placed to ensure all persons wash their hands before entering.
The region has expanded its quarantine facility to cater for 30 additional persons.
The Regional Health team has been working with all Local Democratic Organs to ensure that persons observe the mandated curfews while educating them on COVID -19.
All seaports entries in the region have been closed and are monitored daily. The backtrack entries have been closed as well.
Region Six shares borders with Suriname which has 8 confirmed cases
Guyana has confirmed 19 cases, and recorded three deaths.
