CHARLESTOWN, Nevis - WITH the Novel CoronaVirus continuing to spread affecting thousands of people across the world, steps continue to be taken to prevent an outbreak of the deadly infection on Nevis.
Currently, data shows that the virus has infected over 100, 000 people across the world and has resulted in at least 3,015 deaths, many of which are in China.
In a statement late Friday afternoon, the Ministry of Health on Nevis assured the Nevisian public that the threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is being taken seriously.
Though there are no confirmed cases of the virus in St. Kitts or Nevis, the ministry noted that the necessary steps to increase surveillance at our ports of entry, train and equip our healthcare workers, both at the district and institution level, and educate the general public about protecting themselves, their families and the wider Nevisian community by preventing infection are being undertaken.
Just recently, on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, the ministry convened its second stakeholders meeting which included representatives from Immigration Department, Customs and Excise Department, Department of Education, Ministry of Tourism, Nevis Tourism Authority, among others to assess and further strengthen COVID-19 preparedness and response plan.
The ministry disclosed that there is enhanced surveillance of travellers at Vance W. Amory International Airport and the Charlestown and Long Point sea ports by Port Health Officers and assigned Port Health Nurses; ongoing training of all cadre of staff at health care institutions about COVID-19, infection prevention and control and case management.
“Preparedness has also included discussions of case scenarios with appropriate mapping of action plans, identification of isolation areas at Alexandra Hospital, assessing current stock levels and procurement of additional stocks, and the scaling up of COVID-19 public education through use of public service announcements via television and radio, flyers, pamphlets and various social media platforms. We will further engage in educational sessions and discussions with schools, hotels, businesses and other organizations throughout the island.”
Officials at the Ministry of Health on St. Kitts have also stepped up their efforts to prevent an outbreak on the island.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Hazel laws recently updated the nation on the plans and persons who were being monitored after entering the federation from countries with the ailment.
She reminded citizens and residents to practice proper hygiene, something that was reiterated by health officials on Nevis.
"We continue to encourage and emphasize the following:
- The practice of good hand hygiene through frequent and thorough hand-washing, and cough etiquette in order to reduce the risk of transmission of respiratory viruses
- Social distancing by avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections and remaining at home if you exhibit flu like symptoms
- Self-reporting, with travelers coming/returning to the Federation being required to self- report if they feel they might have been exposed to COVID-19 or feel ill
- Calling ahead to your physician or health institution stating your symptoms and any travel history to allow for preparation at the office/institution prior to your visit.
“COVID-19 requires not only a Ministry of Health and Gender Affairs response but a wider local and regional response to coordinate surveillance, diagnostics, clinical care and treatment, and methods of limiting onward transmission.”
