People who believe they have been exposed to a deadly coronavirus strain were urged not to simply turn up for medical help at their clinic or the Emergency Department.

The Bermuda Hospitals Board said people with a travel history to a high-risk country who think they may be affected should call ahead for advice to avoid spreading the Covid-19 strain.

The Ministry of Health reported last week that 25 travellers to Bermuda had been pre-screened for Covid-19 so far, and that all had passed the 14-day monitoring period.

Chikezie Dean Okereke, the Chief of Emergency at BHB, said: “We are being proactive. We are all relieved by the news that there haven’t been any Covid-19 cases in Bermuda yet.

“We have a great opportunity to establish practices to limit its spread should that change. Most importantly, by calling their primary care doctor or the Emergency Department first, people can get help quickly over the phone.

“They don’t have to wait. And they can save the lives of others.”

Dr Okereke said 80 per cent of patients may not even need medical treatment as the symptoms can be mild or not even felt.

He said: “Individuals should stay at home and call their doctor or the Emergency Department for advice. This is critical for preventing the spread of Covid-19 to the individuals who could be really harmed by it.

“Seniors, people who have diabetes or heart disease, and people undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy who may be immunocompromised, are at most risk of serious illness from Covid-19.”

BHB and the Ministry have compiled a set of questions that will assess a patient’s risks and need for treatment over the phone.

Dr Okereke added: “Covid-19 spreads in a similar way to colds and flu so, even though it is a new virus, the way to minimise its spread are very well known to us, and existing disinfectant, soap and water and hand sanitisers will kill it.

“Four out of five people infected with Covid-19 will not be seriously ill based on what is currently known. For those who have more serious complications, we are ready.”