It was reported by the Ministry of Health & Wellness, that Jamaica has confirmed its first imported case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Kingston.
The patient is a Jamaican female who had travelled from the United Kingdom, which has cases of COVID-19. She arrived on the island on March 4 and has been in isolation since March 9.
While we stand firm on the promises of our Lord and Saviour as declared in Psalm 91, let us also use wisdom to protect ourselves, our loved ones and the general public.
Below we have shared some basic information about COVID-19 along with direct links to multiple health sector websites for more detailed information to keep us informed.
Symptoms of COVID-19
Symptoms usually start a few days after a person is infected; it could also take up to 14 days for them to appear. Symptoms can include but not limited to:
- Fever
- Cough
- Feeling tired
- Trouble breathing
- Muscle aches
- Loss of appetite
Steps to take to protect yourself
- Wash your hands with soap and water often. This is especially important after being in public and touching other people or surfaces.
- Avoid touching your face with your hands, especially your mouth, nose, or eyes.
- Avoid people who have any symptoms
- Avoid crowds if possible
- Avoiding travel to certain countries where there are many cases of COVID-19
Preventing Spreading
If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or are displaying symptoms:
- Use face masks
- Clean often – things that are touched a lot e.g. counters, bedside tables, doorknobs, computers, phones, and bathroom surfaces, light switches.
- Wash hands – Wash your hands with soap and water often.
- There is not yet a vaccine to prevent COVID-19
Transmission
- COVID-19 mainly spreads from person to person, similar to the flu
- Spreading between persons is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets
- the virus is released in respiratory secretions when a person with infection coughs, sneezes, or talks
- Infection can also occur if a person touches an infected surface and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Droplets typically do not travel more than six feet (about two meters)
- Transmission from persons not displaying symptoms is possible
No Fear
Ensure you keep yourself safe from ways of contracting the virus. But while everyone else cowers in fear, remember God has a covenant with you to protect your health!
You are His beloved and He cares for you. Run into Him for refuge and speak His promise of health when you sense fear gripping your heart.
And while you keep up with the news, remember faith comes from hearing God’s Word.
Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
Psalms 91:9-10