WITH an increase in travel expected for the Christmas period, the Ministry of Health last week advised that there are protocols in place to deal with people who travel from Ebola-affected countries within a 21-day period.

NO SYMPTOMS

If you are not experiencing symptoms but have travelled to an Ebola-affected country, the following steps will be taken:

* You will be interviewed at the airport on arrival and asked questions regarding symptoms, travel pattern and contact with suspected or confirmed cases of Ebola.

* If you were in an Ebola-affected country under 21 days, you will be quarantined at home.

* You will be monitored twice daily for fever by the health team, in addition to twice daily self-checks for 21 days from the time of leaving the affected country.

* You will be instructed to contact the health team if symptoms develop.

* If you experience symptoms you will be transported to an Ebola Treatment Centre, admitted, isolated, tested for Ebola, and the appropriate management done.

* Family and close contacts will then be quarantined and monitored for a further 21 days.

SHOWING SYMPTOMS

If you are showing symptoms and travelled to an Ebola-affected area in the last 21 days, the following steps will be taken:

* You will be temporarily isolated at the airport.

* You will be interviewed by the Public Health team.

* You will be transported to an Ebola Treatment Centre.

* You will be tested for Ebola and the appropriate management done.

* Close contacts will be quarantined, including persons who accompanied you.

Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Marion Bullock DuCasse last week implored individuals to assist the health team as steps are put in place to protect the health of the nation.