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Last Updated: 6th January 2021
[/vc_column_text][vc_tabs position=”top-justify” skin=”primary”][vc_tab title=”What is the Coronavirus?” tab_id=”cfd794ee-4426-2″][vc_column_text]COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.
Most persons infected with the COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, the elderly and those with underlying medical issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illnesses which may lead to death.
The best way to prevent and slow down the spread of COVID-19 is to be well informed about the disease and to protect yourself and others by washing your hands frequently, using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser and avoid touching your face.
The COVID-19 disease spreads primarily through droplets, so you must practice good hygiene which includes coughing or sneezing into a flexed elbow and avoid touching surfaces unnecessarily. You are also encouraged to practise social distancing, wear a mask when going into public places and adhering to governmental restrictions.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tab][vc_tab title=”Prevention” tab_id=”10d14146-6e49-1″][vc_column_text]To prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Barbados and help flatten the curve, we encouraged you to:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- Maintain at least 1-metre distance between yourself and others.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
- Avoid smoking and other activities that may weaken your lungs.
- Avoid unnecessary travel and adhere to governmental restrictions.
- Wear a mask if you have to go out in public.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_tab][vc_tab title=”Symtoms” tab_id=”1589159656405-2-2″][vc_column_text]COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most persons who contract the disease will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.
The most common symptoms are:
- fever
- dry cough
- fatigue
Other common symptoms include:
- aches and pains
- sore throat
- diarrhoea
- conjunctivitis
- headache
- loss of taste or smell
- a rash on the skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes
Serious symptoms are said to be:
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- chest pain or pressure
- loss of speech or movement
If you develop any of the mentioned symptoms, you should seek medical attention. However, please call the Barbados National COVID-19 Hotline at +1 246-536-4500, instead of visiting a healthcare facility.
On average, it takes 5 to 6 days for the symptoms to show, but it can sometimes take up to 14 days for a person to show signs of the disease.
To find out more about coronavirus in Barbados, click the link below.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tab][/vc_tabs][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn title=”Daily Updates” style=”3d” shape=”rounded” color=”danger” size=”xl” align=”center” skin=”primary” button_block=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fgisbarbados.gov.bb%2Fcovid-19%2F|title:GIS%20-%20Covid-19%20Updates|target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][/vc_row]