Self-isolation and social distancing have emerged as two of the main tools in the fight against novel coronavirus COVID-19.
With the outbreak impacting how people interact with each other, the Ministry of Health says in order to minimise the spreading of the virus, changes in behaviour have become necessary given the risk to individual and community health.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. John Lee explains that “the practices of self-isolating and maintaining social distancing have proven successful in halting the spread of coronavirus in other countries.”
Dr. Lee advises that “limiting any potential exposure to COVID-19 is our best defence against transmitting the virus.
“Changing our behaviour may seem difficult or inconvenient but we must think about the most vulnerable in our community and do whatever we can to protect them,” he says.
In this regard the Ministry is reminding the public of the symptoms to look out for and vital steps which should be taken.
Persons who should self-isolate have been placed into two main categories to ensure that the process is effective.
Individuals in the Cayman Islands
Anyone who believes they may have come in contact with someone who has coronavirus should self-isolate at home for 14 days.
Anyone who shows symptoms of coronavirus should self-isolate at home for 14 days. Symptoms include a cough, fever or shortness of breath.
In both cases, the individual should also contact the ‘Flu Hotline on 1-800-534-8600 or 947-3077 to inform the Health Services Authority and seek medical advice. Alternatively, they may also contact their regular GP via phone.
Persons travelling from overseas
Individuals arriving from anywhere overseas are required to self-isolate at home for 14 days whether they show any symptoms of coronavirus or not.
Those who display symptoms including a cough, fever or shortness of breath, are also required to contact the ‘Flu Hotline or their regular GP to seek medical advice.
If a member of a household is required to self-isolate, due to any of the circumstances described above, everyone in the household are also required to self-isolate, even if they do no show symptoms.
Members of the household should limit their contact and maintain a distance of 6 feet distance from the person who is suspected of having coronavirus.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. John Lee points out: “If we don’t isolate the whole household, then the effect of isolating the individual is negated and the rest of the community is at risk.
“The practices of self-isolating and maintaining social distancing have proven successful in halting the spread of coronavirus in other countries”
For more about how to self-isolate, individuals should visit: www.exploregov.ky/news/coronavirus-resources.
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