ON January 23 2020 the Caribbean public health agency released a statement that As at 9th January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that a 2019 novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was identified by Chinese authorities. The virus was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
Executive Director of CARPHA, Dr. Joy St. John said “Presently, there have been no confirmed cases or reports of the 2019-nCoV in the Caribbean region and based on current information, the immediate health risk from this virus to the general public remains low. CARPHA is monitoring developments and working closely with its international health partners to respond to this health threat and provide timely advice and support to the preparedness activities of Caribbean Member States.”
Read the full release here.
The Agency also released a situation report that includes what is already known about the virus, global actions to date, ongoing research and monitoring, communications and recommendations.
You can view the full report here.
To date, there have been NO reported cases of nCoV in the Caribbean region.
The risk of a case being imported to the Caribbean remains low. However, the report of the first case of 2019-nCoV in the USA on 21 January, emphasizes the potential for international dissemination of the virus via commercial air travel. Travellers must therefore take all necessary precautions when travelling.
For the full Novel Coronavirus travellers guidelines please follow this link.
The DHTA urges you to be vigilant and stay up to date with news about the virus. The Association will continue to work with its regional and international partners to bring you the most accurate updates possible.