“We are prepared to treat Coronavirus”

The World Health Organization (WHO) on January 9, last, reported that a 2019 novel Coronavirus (2019nCoV) was identified by Chinese authorities. The virus was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China, and as with any other novel and imported disease, the 2019nCoV is causing heightened concern in Guyana and the Caribbean region.

However, the Ministry of Public Health and the PanAmerican Health OrganizationWorld Health Organization (PAHO-WHO) have emphatically stated that the country’s health sector is prepared to screen, detect, isolate and treat the deadly virus, should it arrive on the country’s shores. During a press conference held yesterday at the PAHO’s Boardroom in

Brickdam Georgetown, Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, confirmed that there are no cases of the deadly virus in Guyana, since the risk of it being detected here is very low.

However, if the deadly virus is to break through the country’s shores, the Minister boasted that the country’s health sector is well-prepared to screen, detect, isolate and treat the virus, which has claimed the lives of 106 persons thus far. All the deaths have been recorded in China. Minister Lawrence explained that the Ministry has increased surveillance at all of the country’s points-of- entry, increased capacity training for medical personnel, and has prepared health facilities for isolation and testing.

Furthermore, Minister Lawrence added that health officials are preparing to launch a public information campaign on what the Coronavirus is and what measures can be taken to prevent the disease. The virus was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention described symptoms as those commonly experienced with contraction of influenza. The incubation period is believed to be between two and 14 days.

An incubation period begins from the moment of exposure to the infectious agent until signs and symptoms of the disease appear. Minister Lawrence said the Ministry has adequate drugs in stock and if necessary, will utilise resources from its 2020 funds allocation.

(Kaieteur News)