The following is an update from the Ministry of Health on the novel coronavirus, now known as COVID-19. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) most current updates indicate that although the total number of cases of COVID-19 outside mainland China remains relatively small, there are signs of increasing transmission of the virus- in Italy, Iran, South Korea and Japan- and the window of opportunity for containment is narrowing. Consequently, the Ministry of Health, Anguilla emphasizes that, while there are no cases of COVID-19 in Anguilla or the Caribbean at present, the work continues with local, regional and international partners in the spirit of preparedness, mitigation and response for the possible introduction of the virus into the region.
At this juncture, the main focus is on the health system. The main efforts are aimed at ensuring that contingencies for clinical management and enhanced infection prevention and control are in line with WHO recommendations. The clinical picture to date is that more than 80% of patients have mild disease and will recover. It is the remainder of patients who manifest severe or critical disease that may be expected to place the brunt of the burden on the health system. Furthermore, in 2 to 3% of reported cases, the virus has been fatal. The risk of death increases the older a patient is and with underlying health conditions. Additionally, relatively few cases have occurred among children and more research is needed.
In the face of the lingering uncertainty about the virus, persons are reminded that regardless of the evolution of the current situation, the following basic principles reduce the risk of transmission of several respiratory infections including coronavirus:
• Frequent handwashing especially after contact with ill persons and their environments
• Covering of coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing and
• Avoiding close contact with persons suffering from acute respiratory illness.
The Ministry of Health, your official source of information for this event and all health-related matters, will continue to provide timely updates as they become available. For more information and in an effort to counter rampant misinformation, contact Dr. Aisha Andrewin, Chief Medical Officer at 497-3930.
– Press Release
