COVID19 Update #3 February, 12 2024

12/02/2024

By Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs continues to monitor the cases of Respiratory illnesses on island. We continue to manage persons presenting with flu like symptoms at the Emergency Departments, Wellness Centers and private doctors’ offices due to new COVID-19 variants, Influenza A and B and Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Over the last 14 days, a decrease in hospitalizations and deaths due to the COVID-19 Virus was also noted.

The public is encouraged to reduce the impact of respiratory illnesses by the following measures:

Maintain a healthy lifestyle, through diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, reduced stress and toxic habits
Ensure compliance by taking prescribed medication if you suffer from any chronic health conditions
Strengthen sanitary measures at home and work and maintain proper hand hygiene with regular hand washing
Wear a face mask when presenting flu like symptoms, and
Consult a healthcare professional if flu like symptoms linger or worsen

All persons with chronic health conditions are strongly advised to wear a facemask when in public, in crowded conditions, and avoid contact with others who are sick. Personal responsibility is important at this time.

Facemasks are available at all the public health facilities to patients who may need. COVID-19 PCR and rapid tests are available free of charge to the public at the various Wellness Centers, Community Hospitals and Polyclinic.

The Ministry of Health reminds the general public that we are presently in the flu season which runs from October to March and as such, would like to encourage the use of the flu vaccine which is available free of charge at the various wellness centers. The COVID-19 Janssen vaccine is also available and can be taken as a booster, especially for persons with risks factors or chronic illness.

The Ministry of Health will continue to provide regular updates and health education to the public to take the necessary measures to reduce the impact of respiratory illness at this time.

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