Health Minister activates Quarantine Authority as precaution against Coronavirus
The territory’s Quarantine Authority has been activated in the British Virgin Islands as a further precautionary measure for the recent outbreak of the 2019 novel Coronavirus in China.
Health Minister Carvin Malone activated the Quarantine Authority this week.
“The authority is chaired by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Irad Potter and consists of six additional members who represent the Department of Agriculture, BVI Ports Authority, BVI Airports Authority, BVI Health Services Authority, Environmental Health Division and the Immigration Department,” a media release from the Ministry of Health said this week.
The release further said that through the 2014 Quarantine Act which guides the Authority, several comprehensive measures to prevent the introduction and spread of quarantinable diseases in the territory will be taken to protect the public health.
Other agencies involved
These measures will also include the assistance and input of other government agencies which include Her Majesty’s Prison, the Department of Disaster Management, the Department of Information, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Service and the Immigration and Customs departments.
These entities will be collaborating to provide in-depth monitoring of all acute respiratory infections; perform education and awareness sessions on the new coronavirus; recommend various preventative measures which may include hand-washing, environmental sanitation and respiratory hygiene; and encourage health workers to use personal equipment.
They will also conduct a number of training programmes and implement advanced processes for the effective management of ill passengers at primary ports of entry.
In contact with other island nations ports of entry
Meanwhile, Minister Malone said that further measures are being taken to gather the requisite information from various port authorities from other islands, which tourist traverse in route to the BVI.
He said: “This measure is being taken so as to determine if adequate protocols are being practised in these island nations so as to avoid the occurrence of transmittal or delivery to our shores.”
Increase in reported confirmed cases
In the meantime, the reported confirmed cases of the virus according to CNN has now increased to 6,061 persons in mainland China, including 132 deaths.
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Thank you to our Health Services personnel for safeguarding our shores. Just to keep this in perspective, while the Coronavirus is serious and precautions need to be taken, the CDC reports that Influenza and Pneumonia are a greater threat at this time. With at least 15 million flu illnesses reported this season, every individual needs to take personal interest in their own health and that of their family and community.
Just like your Mother always taught;
Wash your hands frequently, especially before meals
Keep your hands away from your eyes and mouth
Cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze
Do not go out in public if you are sick
Stay away from sick individuals
Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids (Water)
Get the proper amount of sleep and exercise
Stay healthy and help your children to form good health habits.
We’ve just had a few persons representing in pagentry in Schenzen.
Were they tested upon arrival to these shores?
And, are they in current updates with health professionals as to the upkeep of their health?
We all know they’ve been around quite alot of people since their return….