Prevention

You can take steps to protect yourself and others during a COVID-19 outbreak.

  • The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. Recent studies indicate that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19.
  • There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
  • The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

Person-to-person spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 1.5 and 2 meters).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
  • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
  • Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
  • Maintaining good social distance (about 2 meters) is very important in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Spread from contact with contaminated objects or surfaces

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning more about this virus. We recommends people practice frequent “hand hygiene,” which is either washing hands with soap or water or using an alcohol-based hand rub. We also recommend routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.

How easily does the virus spread

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious, like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, which means it goes from person-to-person without stopping.

  • The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading very easily and sustainable between people.
  • Information from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic suggest that this virus is spreading more efficiently than influenza, but not as efficiently as measles, which is highly contagious.

COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person in respiratory droplets from someone who is infected. People who are infected often have symptoms of illness. Some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

For official information from the Government of Aruba please follow their website: https://www.arubacovid19.org/

Symptoms and testing

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. The common symptoms for COVID-19 are: Fever Cough Shortness of breath Difficulty breathing Sore throat Loss of smell and/or taste Tiredness Not sure whether you should get tested? Please do the questionnaire/self check on: https://www.arubacovid19.org/ When to seek medical attention...
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Who needs extra precaution

COVID-19 is a new disease and there is limited information regarding risk factors for severe disease, but based on currently available information these are the risk groups:  Older adults People who have severe underlying medical conditions - like heart/lung disease or diabetes People with moderate to severe asthma  People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher) People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis People with liver disease Peop...
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COVID-19 Vaccine for Health Care Workers

Please click on the article below for more information: 10 things healthcare workers need to know about COVID19 vaccine.pdf
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DVG's Practical manual COVID-19 in the workplace

Currently, 40% of all COVID-19 infections (the source of which is known) is contracted at work. This has two important consequences: Employees run a real risk of becoming infected at work and subsequently infecting their family members and/or friends. The employer runs the risk that during contact investigations a large part of the personnel will be quarantined, causing business processes to come to a standstill. This is also not good for the economy. DVG has therefor created a manual...
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COVID-19 Compliance Officer Training

Medwork and the Department of Public Health (DVG) recently concluded two workshops on the trending topics with regard to COVID-19.  Ms. Daisy Ooms from DVG/RIVM was the co-presenter with Dr. David Geelkens from Medwork. The informative and interactive workshops discussed the role and responsibility of the COVID-19 Compliance Officer as mandated by DVG, the DVG C-19 Manual and Checklist and the audit (visit) by the DVG Taskforce and how to prepare for such a visit.  Ms. Ooms addressed many questi...
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COVID-19 Services - The Opening of your Business

In collaboration with our partners we have set up a number of services to assist your business in complying with all the necessary DVG measures and the Aruba Health and Happiness Code. These COVID-19 services are mentioned in the flyer below. If you need any information or would like to request assistance for these services please contact us at info@medwork.aw or call us at +297 5878880.
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DVG's Requirements - Business measures COVID-19

With the down scaling of the current measures according to the Ministerial Regulation AB 1989 No. 62 General regulation combating COVID-19 (such as shutdown, curfew, lockdown) it is essential that everyone abides by the preventive measures in relation to social distancing and hygiene. For this, there are minimum requirements that have been set up by the Public Health Department (DVG). These are valid for everyone and there will be compliance checks.  Enforcement of all measures is the responsibi...
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