CORONAVIRUS UPDATES

The Bahamas Red Cross Response

As the world experiences the impact of COVID-19 reaching pandemic stage globally, The Bahamas Red Cross remains vigilant in monitoring the potential threat to communities throughout our islands and cays. We stand firm in our mandate to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in responding to critical disasters as they arise. Our Management, Health and Disaster teams are committed to providing information to prevent the transmission of this disease. We support the building of stronger, healthier and safer communities encouraging healthy handwashing and preventative practices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, that was first detected in China and has now spread to multiple countries including The Bahamas. COVID-19 is a new disease, that is thought to be transmitted from person-to-person.

Common Symptoms

What we know is that symptoms can range from mild to severe. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties and in more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia.

How It Spreads

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus is thought to be spread by the following:

Mainly from person-to-person, that is between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Preventative Steps to Help You Protect Yourself & Loved Ones

The best way to prevent illness, is to avoid being exposed to the virus

Stay updated and use information from The Ministry of Health, Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO).

Clean your hands often. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol

Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

Avoid close contact with people who are sick

Put distance between yourself and other people

Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. If you are in need of medical care, contact The Ministry of Health 24HR hotline or your local health care provider

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow

Throw used tissues in the trash.

Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean & disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.