Another Guyana Minister Tests Positive for COVID-19

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Guyana’s Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond Allicock, has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19) becoming the second Cabinet minister to do so within a seven day period.

Earlier this week, President Irfaan Ali and all of the cabinet ministers, were tested for the virus after Foreign and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd, had tested positive.

Allicock has since gone into self-isolation in keeping with public health guidelines.

“The government of Guyana would like to urge all Guyanese to take all the necessary precautions to protect themselves and family from COVID 19. We recommend that you continue to practice social distancing, hand sanitation and wearing your face mask,” said Dr Frank Anthony, the Minister of Health in a statement.

Meanwhile, President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, who led a delegation to Guyana last weekend for the inauguration of President Ali, has tested negative for the virus.

The Suriname Communication Service (CDS) said late Thursday that First Lady Melissa Seenacherry and Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation Minister, Albert Ramdin have also tested negative for COVID-19

CDS that the head of state and his entourage had themselves tested on Wednesday after it became known that the Guyana Foreign Minister had tested positive for Covid-19.

“The Surinamese delegation had been in close contact with the minister after a two-day visit to Guyana in connection with the inauguration of President Irfaan Ali. Although the presidential couple and Ramdin had always adhered to the COVID-19 rules, it was decided to get tested as a precaution,” the CDS added.

It said that while the negative result was received on Thursday, the head of state and the team would be allowed to resume their work schedule according to the protocols.

Both Guyana and Suriname have significant numbers of people who have contracted the virus.

CMC