Ministry of Health monitors new COVID-19 spikes in Linden, Moraikobai

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Monday assured authorities of monitoring recent COVID-19 spikes, which have been reported in a few communities.

Over at Linden in Region 10 (Upper Takutu-Essequibo Upper) there have been spikes in Wismar and Amelia Ward. He confirmed that those who tested positive were put apart. They have taken it one step further to carry out testing in nearby mining communities.

“We had a number of teams that went to different areas in the mining areas and have done antigen and PCR tests on those individuals. And we’ve seen a number of positives based on the test we would have done there, ”said Dr Anthony.

The same was reported in Moraikobai in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice). A team was sent to these locations to test people, and the samples were taken for analysis.

“We have seen a number of cases. We had 29 positive cases in Moraikobai. This is a new area. We will continue to monitor it and of course we have been giving advice to the residents of that community, ”shared Dr Anthony.

As for the spike in Bartica, cases are down to 34. Last week, there were over 60 positives but leaks have been eased since then.

Previous hot spots in Guyana since the virus was detected include Georgetown, Moruca and Mabaruma in Region One (Barima-Waini); Aranka, Bartica and Sulfur Rose in Region Seven; Itabac and Mahdia in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); and Lethem in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Essequibo Upper) among others.

Meanwhile, since the airports reopened, about 20 positives have been reported upon arrival. Eugene F Correia International Airports and Jagan Gardens would have resumed operations earlier in August.

“When they did the test at the airport, they were able to find around 20 people who were positive. We will continue to monitor and make sure we have this system in place because the simple fact that we are finding positive things shows that this system is working. We know that with the holiday season, there may be an increase in traffic with people wanting to come home. Again, we want to tell people to be vigilant and make sure they keep to the rules we have, ”the senior official pointed out.

Eureka Medical Laboratories (EML) has partnered with the Ministry of Health and Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to facilitate PCR testing.

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