Tobago task force establishes covid19 hotline

Acting Medical Chief of Staff Dr Victor Wheeler. PHOTO COURTESY THA -
Acting Medical Chief of Staff Dr Victor Wheeler. PHOTO COURTESY THA -

The Tobago coronavirus (covid19) multi-divisional task force has established a hotline as a proactive measure to the threat posed by the virus to the island.

The hotline, which was expected to be activated on Saturday, can be accessed by dialling a 211 call service.

It will cater specifically to people who exhibit flu-like symptoms such as a fever with either a runny nose, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, headache or muscle pains.

The hotline will be manned by senior doctors from the Tobago Regional Health Authority and the Office of the County Medical Officer of Health, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

According to the task force, trained representatives from 211 will direct the calls to one of the senior doctors.

The senior doctors will then interview the caller to determine if the person should either visit a health centre, go directly to the Scarborough General Hospital or stay at home.

The task force said based on the outcome of the interview, the appropriate protocols will be activated to treat or monitor the person.

The taskforce includes the Acting County Medical Officer of Health, the director of the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), the acting medical chief of staff, the acting general manager primary care and the nursing managers for primary and secondary care.

Covid19 protocols:

1) Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

2) Cover your cough or sneeze with your flexed elbow, or with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.

3) Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.

4) Stay home when you are sick.

5) Practice social distancing (keep a minimum of three feet away from people).

6) Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (door handles, telephones, cell phones.

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"Tobago task force establishes covid19 hotline"

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