Public Health
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Latest Update (September 2023)
All persons who are suffering from a respiratory infection, whether caused by COVID-19, influenza or the common cold, are advised to:
- Remain at home if symptomatic (febrile (having or showing symptoms of fever), coughing, running nose, muscle aches, chills)
- Return to work after being symptom free for a minimum of 24 hours (if febrile, 24 hours from when the fever breaks)
- Practice respiratory hygiene (cover mouth/nose when coughing/sneezing, use masks when appropriate, use tissues and dispose of them properly, wash/sanitise hands before/after touching mouth/nose)
Update: August 2023
The Public Health Department will transition from administering COVID-19 vaccines monthly to offering them seasonally.
COVID-19 Vaccine & Boosters
With cases of COVID-19 on the decline globally and the expiration of the last batch of Moderna vaccines on island, the Public Health Department will transition from administering COVID-19 vaccines monthly to offering them seasonally.
Similar to the approach with the annual flu vaccines, Public Health will announce the new batch of COVID-19 vaccines once available on island.
COVID-19 remains a significant threat to our elderly and clinically vulnerable. This group is encouraged to get vaccinated once annual boosters become available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms?
Common symptoms include respiratory symptoms:
- Fever of more than 38C or 100.4F or chills
- Cough
- Tiredness
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Diarrhea
Serious symptoms – if you develop any of these, call 911 immediately
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest pains
- Loss of speech or mobility or confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
How soon do symptoms occur?
Symptoms occur 2-14 days after a person has been exposed (average 5 days).
Is there a vaccine against coronavirus?
Yes, there is a vaccine.
How do I reduce the risk of coronavirus infection?
- wear a facemask
- frequent hand cleansing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
- practice social distancing of minimum of 6 feet
- avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections
Contact for further information or if you think you have or may have been exposed to the Coronavirus
24 hour Flu Hotline