The Barbados plan: Stages of implementation

Local officials have shifted gear in their preparation efforts, coming up with a Barbados Pandemic Preparedness Plan for COVID-19, as they seek to protect the country from the dreaded virus.

Barbados has no cases of COVID-9

Stage 0 – No cases in Barbados (We are here)

• Enhanced surveillance

• Continued sensitization and communication bulletins to the general population and strategic stakeholders

• Activation of HEOC (Health Emergency Organising Committee)

• Establishment of quarantine facility

• Reviewing and enhancing the National Pandemic Preparedness Plan

• Briefing the NEOC (National Emergency Organising Committee)

Stage 1 – Suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Barbados but no confirmed in country human-to-human transmission

• Briefing of the NEOC for Implementation of the National Pandemic Preparedness Plan

• Activation of the Isolation Centres

• Establishment of the Field Medical Facility (FMF)

• Facility can be used for screening, quarantine and isolation as required.

• PSAs to limit public gathering

• Reconfiguration of polyclinics as screening centres

Stage 2 – Human-to-human in country transmission (confirmed)

• Continued sensitization and communication bulletins to the general population

• Consider standing up additional facilities as required (such as schools for moderate cases requiring hospitalisation)

• Consider standing up additional screening centres (community centres, churches, schools)

Stage 3 – Extensive human-to-human transmission and health services are overwhelmed

• Declaring a State of Emergency

• Ensuring continuity of government

• Standing up of additional facilities for moderate cases requiring hospitalisation

• Prohibit mass assemblies

• Self-Isolation: Persons with mild illness (no respiratory distress)

• Recommend that ill persons are given 5-7 days without official sick leave