St Kitts and Nevis: State of emergency extended through April 25 /update 2

Event

Authorities in St Kitts and Nevis announced the extension of its ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) state of emergency and associated measures until Saturday, April 25. Residents are permitted to leave their homes for essential goods and services exclusively between the hours of 06:00 and 19:00 (local time). A mandatory lockdown is to be observed outside these hours. Under the imposed curfew, no one except security forces, healthcare workers, emergency personnel, members of the media, and utility providers will be allowed outside their residence.

Prime Minister Timothy Harris first declared the state of emergency on Saturday, March 28. St Kitts and Nevis closed its borders on Thursday, March 26.

As of Thursday, April 23, there are 15 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country. Further 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). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

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

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

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.