The Ministry of Health is encouraging citizens to take extra precautions during the rainy season especially because of the Coronavirus pandemic, which continues to see rising numbers in Guyana.

Health officials are advising persons in flood-prone areas to stay out of the floodwaters as much as possible to guard themselves against contracting diseases which could include leptospirosis and various skin infections.  Children should be kept out of the floodwaters completely since they are at a higher risk of contracting the diseases.

The Ministry of Health is also advising that there should be no swimming in flooded canals and trenches during the rainy season as the water could be contaminated.

For those who must venture into the flood waters, it is important to wear protective gear after applying Vaseline or oil to your skin.

The rainy season is also expected to see an increase in mosquitoes and persons are being advised to safeguard themselves against mosquito bites also as those could lead to various diseases including zika, dengue and chikungunya.

The Health Ministry is also reminding that water to be used for cooking, drinking and bathing purposes must be kept safe and should be treated with chlorine bleach.

The National Hydromet Office has announced that November is expected to see lots of rainfall as the rainy season begins. 

Yesterday, there was widespread flooding in several parts of the city and along the East Coast Demerara and other areas following several hours of persistent rainfall.

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