What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a type of coronavirus, that was first discovered in late 2019. COVID-19 can cause a wide range of illnesses from no symptoms at all (asymptomatic) to mild flu-like symptoms and severe pneumonia. It is a highly contagious virus and can easily spread from person to person. As with all newly discovered pathogens, many of the characteristics are still unknown and thus, information may change quickly. 

Symptoms of a COVID-19 infection

Symptoms may occur between 2-14 days after exposure to the virus with a peak of heightened symptoms between 5-7 days. These symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Cough
• Chills
• Muscle pain or headaches
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Recent loss of taste or smell

Some individuals have no symptoms at all and are called asymptomatic.

Transmission of COVID-19

Transmission mostly occurs between persons and the virus is transmitted via droplets when an infected person coughs, talks or sneezes. The virus can travel as far as 6 feet and remain in the air for a few minutes. Asymptomatic persons infected with COVID-19 can transmit the virus as well.

To a lesser extent, the virus can be transmitted by touching a surface that has live virus on it and then touching your nose, mouth or eyes.

Steps to Protect Yourself from COVID-19

• Always practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of at least 70% if a hand washing station is not available.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Maintain a respiratory etiquette by covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue or cough/sneeze into your elbow. Remember to dispose of used tissues as soon as possible and wash your hands after handling them.
• Practice social distancing of 6 feet.
• Avoid being around people displaying symptoms of COVID-19.
• Wear your mask in public spaces or gatherings.
• Follow regular cleaning practices in your home dwelling. Remember that regular cleaning can help reduce bacteria and viruses build up on surfaces.
• Be alert! If you or somebody you know start displaying symptoms of a COVID-19 infection, contact your healthcare provider and follow their instructions.

Booking an Appointment for your COVID-19 test

At Doctors Hospital, our free COVID-19 testing is conducted using Public Health guidelines. Please book your appointment online at covid19.doctorshospitalcayman.com or through our COVID Call Centre at 325-9000 ext. 2.  After booking you will receive an email confirmation. In addition, a QR code will be provided to you via email on the day of your appointment – please bring the QR code with you (printed or through your mobile device). Walk-ins are also welcome.

For your convenience, we offer testing at our location in Camana Bay, and through our drive-through facility at 16 Middle Road, George Town.  We also offer onsite testing for companies with 30 or more employees at their place of work.

Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri, 7:30 am – 5:00 pm – Drive-through testing facility, 16 Middle Road, George Town
Mon-Sat, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm – Camana Bay, 38 Market Street

To book either option or for more information, please contact our COVID Call Centre Monday through Saturday 7:30 am to 5:00 pm at 325-9000 ext. 2.

Doctors Hospital COVID-19 Drive Through Process

An appointment is recommended and can be booked online at covid19.doctorshospitalcayman.com or through our COVID Call Centre at 325-9000 ext. 2.

When you arrive via the main entrance to the hospital:

• Keep to the left and follow the signs towards the testing tent.
• Bring valid photo identification and your QR code to the appointment.
• Please remain in your vehicle throughout the entire process.
• If you do not drive, you may walk to the same tent/drive-through testing facility.
• Once the process is complete, please follow the signage to exit the property.

The entire COVID testing process may take 2-3 minutes.

Receiving your COVID-19 results

Test results will be sent to you via email within 24 hours. If you do not have an email address, you will need to call the COVID Call Centre at 325-9000 ext. 2 for your results. Results are typically available by phone between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Saturday.

If you have a positive result you will be contacted by Public Health for contact tracing and further instructions.

Please NOTE: the COVID Call Centre is closed on Sundays and most Public Holidays.

More information on COVID-19

Stay informed and up to date with regards to the latest information on COVID-19. We recommend the following resources:

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
• https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
• https://www.exploregov.ky/coronavirus