What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Patients with COVID-19 have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath.
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What are severe complications from the virus?
Some patients may develop pneumonia in both lungs.
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Is there a treatment?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms. Treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms. For mild cases, the normal measures that could be used for any influenza-like illness will be employed. These may include increased fluids, rest, and medication for pain, fever and other symptoms (like Panadol). For moderate to severe cases, medical attention must be sought. In severe cases, hospitalization will be necessary.
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How do I care for a person who has been confined at home?
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Separate the person from the others, keeping them at least 1 meter in distance from other persons
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Have the person wear a mask for the period of home-monitoring.
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Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly after each contact with them
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Improve the air flow where the person stays. Use doors and windows to take advantage of the breezes
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Keep the environment clean with readily available household cleaning agents
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Clean contact areas such as countertops, door handles, bathrooms, light switches, landline phone with a diluted bleach solution (1 part 5.25% bleach to 9 parts water
What should I do if I need medical attention?
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Contact your doctor or healthcare provider before traveling to a health facility, and report your symptoms. Explain why you think you have COVID-19 (if you have recently traveled to a country where there is and outbreak, in humans)
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Follow the advice given to you
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If it is possible not to contact your healthcare provider in advance, communicate youer suspicion of infection as soon as you arrive at the facility
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Cover your nose and mouth during travel with a mask where possible
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When should urgent medical attention be sought?​
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care:
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Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
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Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
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Sudden dizziness
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Confusion
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Severe or persistent vomiting
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In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
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Fast breathing or trouble breathing
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Bluish or grey skin colour
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Not drinking enough fluids
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Not waking up or not interacting
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Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
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Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
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Fever with a rash
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Are some people more at risk?
It is recommended that everyone take precautions to prevent the spread of infection. Older age and the number of chronic conditions are associated with increased risk of severe disease and negative outcome.
Is there any special recommendations for pregnant women?
Yes, they are vulnerable. Like everyone, they should take all the necessary precautions.
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Am I at risk for novel coronavirus from a package or products shipping form China?
Because of the poor survivability of these of coronaviruses on these surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread fro products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures. Currently, there is no evidence to support transmission of CORVID-19 associated with imported goods.
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What about animals or animal products imported from China?
There is currently no evidence to suggest that animals or animal products imported from China pose a risk for spreading COVID-19 to Barbados.​
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Should I be concerned about pets or other animals and COVID-19?
While this virus seems to have emerged fro an animal source, it is now spreading from person-to-person. People travelling to places with local spread should avoid animals, both live and dead, but there is no reason to think that any animals or pets in Barbados might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus.
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Should I avoid contact with pets or other animals if I am sick?
Do not handle pets or other animals while sick. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, several types of coronaviruses can cause illness in animals and spread between animals and people. Until we know more, avoid contact with animals and wear a facemark if you must be around animals or care for a pet.
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What if I was in contact with someone who travelled to a place of interest?
Call your healthcare provider.
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