COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.
Most common symptoms:
- fever
- dry cough
- tiredness
Less common symptoms:
- aches and pains
- sore throat
- diarrhoea
- conjunctivitis
- headache
- loss of taste or smell
- a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes
People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home.
On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.
Serious symptoms:
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- chest pain or pressure
- loss of speech or movement
Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms.
For more information, call COVID-19 helpline 1025 or
Just recently Ministry of Health informed the public that new centres are now opened within the Greater Banjul area and West Coast Region for COVID-19 sample collections.
Henceforth, anyone who wants to do a COVID-19 test could have their sample collected from the following sample collection points:
- Independence Stadium in Bakau, KMC (sample collection started and ongoing)
- Buffer Zone in Latrikunda, KMC (sample collection started and ongoing)
- Brusubi Main Roundabout, WCR, adjacent to the Petroleum Building (sample collection started and ongoing)
- Brikama, WCR, behind Mbalet Junction (sample started and ongoing)
Please call teh call center before going to any of above mentioned places.
Samples will be collected from these sites only on weekdays, Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 3:00pm each day.
Test is free of charge.
Results can be picked up at the location or send by text message.
Normally results are ready in 24 hours.
For more information, call COVID-19 helpline 1025 or
PREVENTION
Protect yourself and others around you by knowing the facts and taking appropriate precautions. Follow advice provided by your local health authority.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Clean your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Maintain a safe distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible.
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
- If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.
- Calling in advance allows your healthcare provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This protects you and prevents the spread of viruses and other infections.
Masks
Masks can help prevent the spread of the virus from the person wearing the mask to others. Masks alone do not protect against COVID-19 and should be combined with physical distancing and hand hygiene. Follow the advice provided by your local health authority.
