Caribbean: Countries and territories in the region continue to report elevated COVID-19 disease activity during February /update 21

Event

Several countries and territories continue to report elevated COVID-19 transmission through February. The following countries and territories have identified confirmed COVID-19 cases between Jan. 9-Feb. 9. Countries are classified by risk of transmission according to the incidence rate over the past four weeks:

Very high risk of transmission

• Anguilla

• Antigua and Barbuda

• Aruba

• Bahamas

• Barbados

• Bermuda

• Bonaire

• The British Virgin Islands

• Cayman Islands

• Curacao

• Dominica

• Dominican Republic

• Grenada

• Guadeloupe

• Jamaica

• Martinique

• Montserrat

• Puerto Rico

• Saba

• Saint Barthelemy

• Saint Kitts and Nevis

• Saint Lucia

• Saint Martin

• Sint Eustatius

• Sint Maarten

• Trinidad and Tobago

• Turks and Caicos

• US Virgin Islands

High risk of transmission

• Cuba

• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Low risk of transmission

• Haiti

Context

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, and dry cough; less common symptoms include headache, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, reddening of the eyes, skin rash, or discoloration of the fingers or toes. Symptoms may worsen to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and organ failure - especially in those with underlying, chronic medical conditions. Some infected individuals display no symptoms.

Multiple variants of COVID-19 have been identified globally, some of which spread more easily between people. COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed, though this distribution is unequal among countries, while other vaccines are in varying stages of development and clinical trials; more data is required to determine the efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19 variants.

Older individuals and people of any age with chronic medical conditions or compromised immunity should consider postponing nonessential travel, including domestic travel, and take special precautions to avoid becoming ill, especially where sustained community transmission of COVID-19 is ongoing. All individuals should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.

Advice

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands).

There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease; however, several COVID-19 vaccines have been made available and distributed in some countries. Monitor government vaccination schedules, and get a government-approved vaccine when eligible and when it is offered. All individuals, including vaccinated individuals, should prioritize basic health precautions as long-term immunity against COVID-19 is still being investigated.

Resources

WHO coronavirus knowledge base
WHO: Public health considerations while resuming international travel
US CDC: Guidance for Businesses and Workplaces
US CDC: Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities
Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak
US CDC: Manage Anxiety and Stress
New England Journal of Medicine: COVID Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions