COVID-19

COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large number of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. COVID-19 was unknown before an outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Since then, it has become a pandemic affecting many countries globally.

Barbados reported it’s first case in March 2020 and as of June 9, 2023, has recorded 804, 215 cases and 596 deaths.

How does COVID-19 spread?

The virus is primarily spread from person to person by small respiratory droplets (from the nose or mouth) which are expelled when infected persons cough, sneeze, speak or even sing. People can catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets expelled by an infected person. The virus can also be transmitted when a person touches a surface or an object where droplets fell and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Patients with COVID-19 have reportedly had mild to severe illness with the most common symptoms of fever, dry cough and tiredness. Other symptoms include aches and pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhoea, loss of taste or smell and discolouration of fingers or toes.

While about 20% of persons infected with COVID-19 become seriously ill and experience difficulty breathing, most recover from the disease without needing hospital treatment. However, older people, and those with underlying medical problems like hypertension, heart disease, asthma, diabetes, or cancer, are at a higher risk for developing severe illness if they become infected with COVID-19.

How can I help protect myself and others?

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. This can be done by:

  • Maintaining at least 1 metre distance between yourself
  • Wear a face mask or cloth face covering if distancing is not possible
  • avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • regularly and thoroughly washing your hands often and with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Making sure you and the people around you follow good respiratory hygiene by covering your mouth and nose with tissue or the crook of the elbow when you cough, or sneeze.