The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that originated from the virus SARS-CoV-2. The virus spreads mainly through small respiratory droplets or particles that have been released from the mouth or nose of an infected person, for example during conversation or at the moment that this person sneezes without covering their mouth. The virus was first detected in Wuhan China and continued to spread in countries all around the world. On March 11, 2020, the World health organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Two days later, on March 13, 2020 Curaçao recorded its first case of the Coronavirus.
CONSEQUENCE OF INFECTION
Most people that are infected with the virus experience symptoms that are similar to the cold and respiratory problems that are mild to moderate. However, others become seriously ill when infected with COVID-19 and get hospitalized to receive medical treatment. COVID-19 does not discriminate. This means that whoever that gets infected can become ill and pass away as a consequence of the intense symptoms. On March 18, 2020, Curaçao registered its first death for COVID-19.
SYMPTOMS
The main symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough and loss of taste or smell. The symptoms that are less common are sore throat, headache, aches and pains, diarrhea, red or irritated eyes. Symptoms that are more severe include difficulty with breathing and pain in the chest. When a person is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, a doctor should be called to explain the situation and receive further instructions. If a person wants to test, he can visit the local laboratories. Click here for information about the laboratories in Curaçao.
DIFFERENT VARIANTS
The unfortunate reality is that the virus that causes COVID-19 is constantly mutating, creating new variants. Some variants emerge and disappear while others may emerge and persist, continue to grow and become even more dangerous and deadlier. Such a variant will be flagged as a variant of concern (VOC). The latest VOC is Omicron, for which Curaçao has installed a travel entry ban for individuals who in the 14 days prior to arrival in Curaçao, have visited a place with a widespread presence of the Omicron variant.
PROTECTION
Protection against COVID-19 is possible by maintaining physical distance, wearing a mask in public environments and washing hands regularly or using hand sanitizer to clean hands. On February 24, 2021 Curaçao launched its vaccination campaign and so far more than 103.000 individuals have received at least their first shot. Visit www.bakuna.cw for more information.
