The governments of Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago have imposed travel restrictions on China, following the Coronavirus outbreak that originated in Wuhan China, which has infected nearly 8,000 people and claimed more than 200 lives — most of them in China.
Jamaica Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, earlier this week encouraged persons who traveled to and from the People’s Republic of China within the last four weeks to make themselves available for assessments, to determine whether they have been exposed to the Coronavirus.
He explained why a travel advisory was issued. “We took a decision that a travel advisory would be issued where persons in China, who were planning to travel to the island will be advised or asked to remain in China,” Dr. Tufton said Tuesday during a press conference.
Dominica has taken measures to ensure that travelers coming into the country from China be assessed before entry is allowed. “If they are coming from China, we have that in advance, so we can actually be waiting for these people and if any symptoms we take the necessary actions,” said Dominica Minister for Health and Wellness Dr. Irvin McIntyre.
In Trinidad and Tobago, Health Minister Terrance Deyalsing said, “Persons who are presently living in China or visiting China, regardless of nationality, will not be allowed entry into Trinidad and Tobago for 14 days after leaving China."
He added, “If you left China tomorrow you will not be allowed into T&T until February 14.” He said the reason for the 14 days is that the incubation period for coronavirus lasts for that period."
The Barbados Ministry of Health and Wellness also urged persons resident in Barbados to avoid non-essential travel to Hubei Province in China, including its capital, Wuhan.
The recommendation, from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, is aimed at reducing the international spread of the coronavirus.
The ministry also reminded residents that the most effective way of preventing respiratory illness is to practise frequent hand washing; covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing; and avoiding close contact with persons showing symptoms of respiratory infections
Here's what you need to know about the virus:
- Singapore and Mongolia will bar entries from China.
- The State Department tells Americans not to travel to China.
- More than 200 people have died, with about 9,800 infections confirmed.
- The first two confirmed cases are reported in Britain.
- Italy reports its first cases, and declares an emergency.
- Thailand reports its first person-to-person transmission.
- Russia reports two cases and will close a border.
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