COVID-19: What is the real truth?

Jul 06, 2020 Editorial

Where are we really regarding the true state of pandemic medical impacts in this country? Where are we, as citizens, concerning an accurate public accounting that conveys the situation, as it really is, and which could be relied-upon for our own safety, our peace of mind? As other societies ready to reopen in carefully weighed phases, we are going in the other direction, with more and more troubling COVID-19 news adding to the many national burdens.
First, we present a few of the confirmed facts. International airport travel to and from Guyana has been pushed back to early August presently, and which is clearly dependent on what happens between now and then. Second, was a new fatality from the virus?
Third, there is an increase-a sharp surge, really-in the number of confirmed cases, and most in the more distant regions, and with 16 new confirmations reported on Sunday. Fourth, there have been strict quarantining measures, targeted lockdowns, implemented in some of the worst hit hinterland communities. Though reactive, we laud the official actions taken to arrest the spread of this pandemic.
This is what has been shared in official releases. In addition to those, there are also the sightings in the city and many areas in the nearer and deeper countryside. These sightings are daily, and so much in the face as to be undeniable. They are neither of the perversities of fake news nor the rush of fear-inducing rumors. They are real and tell their own stories of the many menaces held over the head of those members of the population, who are sensible and concerned enough, to take prudent precautions. They do so for their own safety and that of their loved ones.Now aside from the above, something new has seeped into limited awareness.
This is so, because what is reported to be happening is that some who have died and did have the virus, are not being classified as such under “Cause of Death.” Instead, because they had cardiac disease, or chronic high blood pressure, or serious kidney impairment, the identification of cause of death is under those, and not from what could have been directly attributable to loss of life. That is, dying from, and being counted under, the COVID-19 pandemic.
With this on the table as a serious concern, it would be most helpful if the responsible Guyanese Public Health officials would provide information about the number of cardiac, hypertension, and kidney related diseases in the last four months. If there is a significant spike, then that should be made known, and the corresponding precautionary measures introduced immediately. We are disturbed and for good reason, because any undue spike in those diseases likely point elsewhere as the source of death.Given what is visible daily, the wise in the midst are jeopardized by those who drink, play dominoes and music, and engage in general unrestrained revelry, when they participate in reckless behaviours. Observation of curfew hours is whimsical, with many doing whatever pleases them, as to when they must be off the roads.
They are usually socializing in public places, of which the Kingston Seawall is a prime example.
To a large extent, the evening crowds thronging there have little interest in obeying social distancing rules, or the wearing of masks.It does not make sense, given this being a norm, and the same characterizing places and interchanges of public and private business. When we pass by and pause to peer at lines of citizens before banks and other places, there are a couple of positives and, of course, the usual negatives. Masks are largely worn and there is an irregular compliance with the distancing requirement of two meters; a few follow the guideline, others are closer, within touching distance. Some places are strict with sanitizing requirements, others are not.
When all of this is considered, Guyanese do not even know whether we have actually had the full brunt of phase 1, or that the real numbers of deaths are being withheld. Many relatives and neighbours could be unknowingly walking around as potential carriers of the virus, thus enhancing the spread.Whatever the truth of the facts and figures of the COVID-19 virus, it must be disclosed and quickly. We do more than urge this of senior public health officials. Since the health and well-being of many are involved, we demand it.

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