TOURISM AUTHORITY KIRIBATI

P.O Box 479, Takoronga, Betio, Tarawa. Republic of Kiribati

Covid19 Updates

On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organisation declared the rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak a pandemic, acknowledging that the virus will likely spread to all countries on the globe.

Following a cabinet meeting on Sunday 22 March 2020, the government of the Republic of Kiribati declared the 5 different levels of coronavirus alert that will categorise the type of response expected from all stakeholders in the country.

In response, the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) has created this staff briefing paper to assist you to respond quickly to this health emergency and take the preventative steps to protect your guests, staff and business.

 

Staff Briefing Talking Points:

  • Acknowledge that coronavirus (COVID-19) is real and disregard any incorrect information about the virus on Facebook. Correct information about the COVID-19 is available in the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) or WHO websites
  • Communicate, train and remind your staff about hand hygiene and the importance of hand washing. Encourage staff to practice this daily
  • Encourage staff to avoid handshakes. NOT EVEN HI 5!
  • Discuss ways to limit the spread of infection. This could include increasing hand sanitizes available to guests and staffs, supply of masks to all staffs and where necessary, make gloves available to all staffs
  • Discuss action plan for when a guest or staff member reports symptoms or infection. What steps should staff take and when should managers be alerted? Consult with the Ministry of Health & Medical Services for quarantining guests or staff and contacting appropriate medical services
  • Take steps to organize to carry out an exercise to find out if your operations are prepared for a worst-case scenario. Develop a contingency plan. TAK can assist with this

FAQ

Frequently Ask Questions

 

What is Coronavirus?

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new virus. The disease causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing. You can protect yourself by washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, and avoiding close contact (1 meter or 3 feet) with people who are unwell.

 

How is it Spread?

Coronavirus disease spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze. It also spreads when a person touches a surface or object that has the virus on it, then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.

 

How can I protect myself and prevent spreading the virus?

  • Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or flexed elbow when you cough or sneeze
  • Avoid close contact (2 meters) with people
  • • Stay home and self-isolate from others in the household if you feel unwell

DO NOT touch your eyes, nose, or mouth if your hands are not clean.

 

How can I apply self-care?

If you have mild symptoms, stay at home until you’ve recovered. You can relieve your symptoms if you:

  • Rest and Sleep
  • Keep Warm
  • Drink plenty of Water
  • Take a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough

Consult with a Doctor/ nearest health/ medical clinic if your symptoms do not improve