The outbreak of COVID-19 has now spread to various countries. At this point, there are NO COVID-19 cases in GRENADA. However, in view of the current situation, Grenadian Health Authorities are expanding their surveillance to cover a wider area of travel to affected areas.
This means that the island is on what is referred to as Importation Transmission Watch (ITW). These include assessing exposure to risks, monitoring events in the region, and providing pre- travel training. Pre-trip risk assessment, education and preparation can markedly reduce the likelihood of an incident disrupting normal everyday life, trade and travel. One person while on a holiday/leisure or business trip can result in risk of transmission by virtue of contact importation.
Apart from mainland China, these include the following countries and cities: Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Italy. Health Authorities are also advising people to avoid non-essential travel to these areas, and are reminding those who choose to do so that on their return, they can be quarantined for a maximum of 14 days.
The MOH advises people who develop a fever, cough or shortness of breath within 14 days of visiting the above listed countries, to contact their family doctor and the Health authorities on 440-2649 during regular working hours (i.e., 8:00am–4:00pm), 417-1079, or 417-2562 after regular working hours, weekends and holidays.
These travelers are advised to refrain from visiting health centers or the casualty department in the first instance.
The general public is reminded to take the necessary precautions for prevention of respiratory infections:
CLEAN: Clean hands often by washing with soap and water or using alcohol hand rub.
CONTAIN: Contain germs by staying at home if unwell; do not go to work or school until your health condition is improved. Do not visit patients in hospital if you are sick.
COVER: Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze and not into to your bare hands.
BIN: Used tissues immediately. DO NOT leave used tissue laying around as it can lead to contamination.
DO NOT sneeze or cough into your hands as you may contaminate objects and people that you touch.
