Rising COVID-19 deaths and infections concerning – FITUG

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) says it is concerned about the rising number of COVID-19 cases and deaths. On Monday, umbrella union body said that it appears that these increased in number of cases and deaths are linked to the Delta Variant.

“Despite the several warnings, we continue to witness Guyanese adopting a lax attitude to the several measures which can safeguard them from being infected,” the union said on Monday.

The union finds it disturbing that “many mature individuals have taken such a relaxed approach,” exposing themselves and their family members to the dreaded virus, the union said.

It is concerned about the hosting and organizing of gatherings which it says can promote the “rapid spread of the virus.”

The union wants gatherings to be kept to a minimum and appropriate restrictions be enforced to protect the health of all Guyanese.

“Of course, our way out of the pandemic is linked to the inoculation of our people. Disturbingly we recognise that there are many who continue to spread great lot of misinformation to the detriment of the vaccination programmes,”

FITUG said, ” It is now scientific fact that vaccination reduces the risk of severe infection. We have learnt recently that most who have become critically ill or have succumbed either have not been vaccinated or not fully vaccinated.”

The union body is urging Guyanese to take advantage of the Government’s vaccination programme and said that it also urges social distancing, regular sanitation and wearing of appropriate masks correctly.