PAHO And WHO Advise Guyana Government Not To Relax COVID-19 Measures

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, April 18, 2020 (CMC) – The Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) has advised the government to maintain stringent emergency measures, in order to contain local transmission of COVID-19.

During a virtual meeting, last Friday, PAHO/WHO Country Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow, noted that the measures, implemented, were necessary to respond to the emerging situation.

“The measures that have been put in place, are working. The measures that individuals are also taking, putting up themselves to do their part, is also working. We need to ensure national measures are enforced, so that the few, who do not go by those measures, they are made to comply,” he stated, while acknowledging that there were other considerations.

“It is understood, that we are fighting for people’s lives, and we are fighting for people’s livelihoods, and we have to find a middle ground … and, it is that middle point that is key, and I am hoping we all come together to do what it is necessary,” Adu-Krow intoned.

In a detailed presentation, the PAHO/WHO Representative noted that the projected number of COVID-19 cases would only occur, if nothing was done to contain the transmission. And with measures, already in place, Guyana is below the average projection of cases

“On April 15, 295 cases were projected; we had only 55. That means 240 persons were spared. A lot is happening with the measures that have been put in place, and I think we need to also ensure that they are accepted by the population.”

He also reminded individuals of their responsibility to take the necessary precautions, to protect themselves from possibly contracting the virus.

“Let us continue the social distancing, the physical distancing, the sneeze and cough etiquette, staying at home, if you don’t have anywhere to go don’t go out. Let’s do the right thing, so we can flatten the curve, as early as possible, so that we can go back to our lives,” Dr. Adu-Krow urged.