As contact tracing and testing of primary and secondary contacts continue it is important to take preventive measures if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
You may become infected, even if you feel well.
After exposure to someone who has COVID-19, do the following:
• Call the health team at 115 or 25256 and inform them of your location, they will come to you.
• Cooperate with contact-tracing procedures to stop the spread of the virus.
• If testing is not available, or if there are delays for the health team to get to you, stay home and away from others for 14 days.
• Keep at least a 1-metre distance from others, even from your family members.
• Wear a medical mask to protect others, including if/when you need to seek medical care.
• Clean your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Stay in a separate room from other family members, and if not possible, wear a medical mask.
• Keep the room well-ventilated, open windows.
• If you share a room, place beds at least 1 metre apart.
• Monitor yourself for any symptoms for 14 days.
• While you are in quarantine, do not go to work, to school or to public places. Ask someone to bring you supplies.
• Stay positive by keeping in touch with loved ones by phone or online.
We all know that the medical team is now stretched as it tries to trace and contain the virus. It is important that we do our part to limit our own risks and protect our family and loved ones.
The 14-day self-isolation/quarantine rule is important if you are exposed. The 14-day rule is standard, public health agencies around the world work together on these guidelines - all in concert with the World Health Organization.
Based on research about 97% of the people who get infected and develop symptoms will do so within 11 to 12 days, and about 99% will within 14 days.
With WHO/MHMS Advisory