Nearly 400 new COVID-19 cases recorded so far this year – health ministry

Amidst ongoing efforts to combat COVID-19, Guyana has recorded 371 new positive cases since the beginning of 2024, reaffirming the persistent challenges faced by the Ministry of Health. The current variant circulating in the country has been identified as JN1, a release from the ministry said.

It added that in the ongoing battle against COVID-19, vaccination remains a cornerstone of defence. In February, the US government donated 1,000 doses of Paxlovid, a drug used to treat COVID-19, to Guyana. The medication complements a separate donation of 354,660 Pfizer vaccine doses. Paxlovid, an antiviral medication, functions by halting the replication and dissemination of the virus responsible for COVID-19 in the body.

The release said that it is primarily administered during the early stages of COVID-19 infection, and serves to mitigate the progression towards severe symptoms. It’s important to note, the release added, that Paxlovid does not serve as a preventative measure against COVID-19; instead, it is specifically designed as a treatment option for individuals exhibiting mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms, particularly those at elevated risk of developing severe complications such as hospitalization or mortality. The release also stated that Pfizer vaccines are readily available for both initial vaccination and booster doses. These vaccines are accessible at various vaccination sites and health centres.

Throughout the duration of the pandemic, the United States Agency for International Development and various other US government entities, maintained a close partnership with Guyana to safeguard public health and bolster Guyana’s efforts in combating COVID-19, the release said.

According to a press statement from the US Embassy back in February, these resources played a pivotal role in supporting Guyana across multiple fronts, including community engagement initiatives, enhancing infection prevention and control measures, and fortifying laboratory systems essential for effective pandemic response.