Health ministry receives protective gear for coronavirus fight

From left are Coordinator of the Health Emergency Operations Centre Dr Collin James, PAHO/WHO Country Representative Dr William Adu-Krow, Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health Colette Adams (Department of Public Information photo)

The Ministry of Public Health on Friday received Personal Protective Equipment along with other items from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) for workers in the public health sector in the bid to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The donation comes as Guyana has confirmed five cases of the coronavirus and as the health ministry has taken a number of measures to prevent the spread of the virus. The equipment received is expected to be primarily used by staff of the Health Emergency Operations Centre, which has been activated to assist in the fight against the COVID-19. The equipment includes surgical masks, suits, N95 masks and goggles, among other things.

In a report, the Department of Public Information reported Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence as saying that the donation of the items at this time assures Guyanese that the country is prepared to tackle any cases in the battle to stop the spread of the virus. The minister was quoted as saying, “It helps us in our preparation”.