The installed PPP government’s policies – such as they are – towards fighting COVID-19 appear to be totally contrary to the guidelines and recommendations of international experts. The PPP’s general policies and those specifically relating to testing go against the advice of international health organizations. This situation, created by the PPP regime, can have only one result: more Guyanese will become infected with the deadly disease, and more citizens will die as a result of infection unless the PPP regime immediately changes course.
Yesterday, January 19, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued updates and recommendations. Those were issued in person by no less than PAHO’s Director Carissa F. Etienne. The Director said that all countries must, “expand testing at the community level to relieve pressure on hospitals, which are working overtime.” Rapid antigen tests should be “deployed to primary health centers, where they can reach more people closer to home,” the PAHO Director said.
📢 “Because we are facing a testing shortage, we recommend that countries 🌎 prioritize rapid antigen tests for individuals who are experiencing #COVID19 symptoms and are at risk of spreading the virus”, @DirOPSPAHO pic.twitter.com/HHcK9TQHlK
— PAHO/WHO (@pahowho) January 20, 2022
Considering that explicit directive from PAHO, on the same day when there were 743 new cases and 7 additional deaths in Guyana including a four months old baby girl, it is unbelievable that the PPP has decided to end free PCR testing for persons exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms. A decision which the Opposition APNU+AFC condemned. Further, the opposition has concluded that, “the rapid spread of the coronavirus is a direct result of the government’s incompetence and total disregard for the health and safety of citizens.” Considering the facts, it would appear that the APNU+AFC’s position has considerable merit.
Additionally, while the disease skyrockets in the Americas with 1,657,516 additional cases in the last 24 hours and 4,114 deaths — a 12.5 per cent increase — the PPP regime continues to pursue its failed, destructive, and deadly policies. The installed PPP government continues to open schools, allow the over-packing of mini-buses, permit mass-gatherings, accept the non-wearing of masks and generally, the PPP continues to behave as though all is well even as Guyanese continue to get sick and die from the highly infectious disease.
It is clear that the PPP is deliberately ignoring the recommendations of experts for its own selfish gains. It is equally obvious that the PPP has absolutely no regard for the safety and lives of Guyanese. As one citizen said, “dem a’int cay bout we; cause dem gat fe meck money.”
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