…will be subject to rigorous quarantine protocols

GUYANA is considering travel restrictions for persons who are coming from China, where the Coronavirus originated.

According to a press statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, persons in China, who plan to travel to Guyana, are asked to defer those plans until further notice as they are likely to be denied entry. This action comes at a time when the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Chinese authorities have confirmed that a new virus, Novel Coronavirus, similar to the virus that causes the common cold, SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome), originating in Wuhan, has afflicted a number of persons in China and a number of other countries.

Whilst the death rate associated with the virus is low at around two per cent the infection rate, its spread, has been termed ‘worrying’ by the WHO.
WHO’s report as of January 30, 2020 indicated that the number of reported confirmed cases of the virus is over 7,000 distributed across the Chinese mainland and territories. Although the infected cases have been confirmed in several other countries including the USA, fatalities have been limited to China.

In that regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that persons in Guyana, who plan to travel to China, should postpone those plans. “Persons arriving in Guyana from China will be subject to quarantine protocols and may be quarantined in a health facility or at home, depending on the outcome of the risk assessment,” said the ministry.

All recent travellers from China (after Jan 1) already in Guyana are asked to contact their nearest health centre or hospital urgently “and” to remain at home for 14 days after date of arrival. “Should flu like symptoms arise within 14 days after return to Guyana from China or another highly-affected country, persons are asked to call the hotline on 592 227 8683 ext 215,” the ministry advised.

Common symptoms of the virus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. More severe infections can cause pneumonia, kidney failure and even death.

Those who must travel to and from China are advised to take precautions against contracting the virus by avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections, crowds and the consumption of uncooked food; universal precautions to take include the frequent washing of hands, especially after direct contact with ill persons or their environment.

Travellers with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should also practice cough etiquette, that is, maintain distance from others, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissue or clothing, and also frequently washing their hands.

CARIBBEAN NOT TOUCHED
Meanwhile, Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Dr. Joy St. John said: “Presently, there have been no confirmed cases or reports of the 2019-nCoV in the Caribbean Region and based on current information, the immediate health risk from this virus to the general public remains low.

“CARPHA is monitoring developments and working closely with its international health partners to respond to this health threat and provide timely advice and support to the preparedness activities of Caribbean Member States.”

Following this and in light of the recently-confirmed case of the virus in the USA, CARPHA has issued advice to Health Authorities on measures to reduce the risk of importation of the disease to the Caribbean Region, as well as advice to Caribbean travellers in the affected area in China.

“CARPHA is aware that this is an early stage of the outbreak and is awaiting clarity on the characterisation of the behaviour of the virus, including severity of the infection, and the level of transmissibility.”

“Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, CARPHA is recommending that Member States be proactive and vigilant. They must reinforce surveillance measures at points of entry, communication strategies which emphasise good hand hygiene, and measures targeted at reducing the importation of this new virus to our shores,” said Dr. St John.

As with any other novel and imported disease, 2019-nCoV is causing heightened concern in the Region. CARPHA is committed to supporting its Member States in refining existing influenza preparedness plans, refreshing training of healthcare works in universal precautions and the use of necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), and implementing measures to protect the most vulnerable in our populations from developing the disease.

In the event that there is a suspected imported case of 2019-nCoV in the Region, CARPHA has already made arrangements with partner public health agencies for testing within the next three weeks, while we await delivery of necessary supplies.