St Kitts and Nevis: Authorities extend nationwide COVID-19 restrictions until August 29 /update 5

Event

St Kitts and Nevis authorities announced on Sunday, August 9, that restrictions in place due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have been extended until at least August 29. However, the nightly curfew has been reduced to 02:00 - 05:00 (local time) from the previous start time of 23:59. During the curfew, those in the country are only permitted to leave their residences for medical emergencies or essential work. Businesses are also required to close during curfew hours.

Other restrictions have also been eased, with hotels, childcare centers, and some other non-essential businesses being allowed to reopen with hygiene and social distancing measures in place, and sporting events allowed to resume without spectators. However, schools and other educational institutions remain closed.

As of Monday, August 10, there have been 17 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, with no associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. 

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay. To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.

• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.

• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.