Basic protective measures against the coronavirus:
Without falling into panic mode, please stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the World Health Organization website and through your national and local public health authority. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others.
Take care of your health and protect others while doing the following:
Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds:
Frequently and thoroughly wash them with soap and water or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub that contains at least 60% alcohol to kill any viruses that may be on your hands. Specially wash them before eating, after visiting the bathroom, before preparing food, as soon as you get home or start working, before touching your electronic devices. etc. We also recommend cleaning your phone as often as possible.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily:
This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them: use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. Most common household disinfectants will work. Of course, use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.
Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth:
First of all, avoid touching your face; hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Maintain social distancing:
It is important to maintain at least one meter (three feet) distance between you and anyone you encounter coughing or sneezing because they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth, which may contain the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Practice respiratory hygiene:
Start covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of the used tissue immediately. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from spreading viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19 through droplets.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early:
Please stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
Stay home!
If you have the possibility of working from home, online study, or postponed activities, please stay home to diminish the spread of the virus. Remember: we need to help our health system by staying home as much as possible.
Do you suspect having Coronavirus?
There are several protection measures for those who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading. Most importantly, stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover. Once more, avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow health facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible coronavirus and other viruses.
If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. We recommend to call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers; allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of coronavirus and other viruses. Additionally, wear a facemask if you are sick.
Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider:
Follow the latest developments about coronavirus (COVID-19) and advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether coronavirus is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.
In the meantime:
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as of Spring 2020. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask, unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
Sources:
World Health Organization | WHO
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
American Red Cross
TED TALKS on Coronavirus
Disclaimer: Our Tips and Recommendations for Coronavirus were shared to ease the global situation at the moment.
Most importantly, follow the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
