The Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) is urging doctors and the public to remain vigilant amid a significant increase in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and influenza.

In a statement issued on Saturday, BAMP said it was working closely with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to monitor the situation and encouraged medical practitioners to reinforce respiratory protocols, including mask-wearing, hand sanitisation, cleaning frequently used surfaces and ensuring good ventilation.

The association is also encouraging symptomatic patients to self-test for COVID-19 and advised that testing should be repeated after 24 to 48 hours if the first rapid antigen test is negative but suspicion remains high.