Accessibility Panel

The new Coronavirus, called 2019-nCoV, responsible for the global pandemic, is spreading ripples of fear among people. It is a relatively new virus related to the SARS family of viruses. From what we know until now, this virus has an incubation period of 1-14 days, after which it may cause symptoms ranging from mild, moderate to severe. Symptoms may include a runny nose, fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty in breathing, leading to pneumonia. Hospitalization is usually required in severe cases where the person was already suffering from other underlying health conditions.   

Staying Safe during the Outbreak

According to the latest information available on the WHO website and through health authorities, infected persons usually only experience a slight illness and recover. 

Be Ready for the Corona Virus

Here are a few precautions you can take to protect yourself and others from getting sick. 

• First and foremost, practice washing hands regularly and thoroughly with an alcohol-based gel or with soap and water. Frequently washing hands helps kill the virus that you may have come in contact with by touching infected surfaces or through contact with suspected persons.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or use a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose off the tissue in a closed bin immediately. Practicing respiratory hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of the virus as it spreads through droplets that a person releases through his mouth or nose when he coughs or sneezes. Do NOT touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with contaminated hands as the virus can enter your body through them.  
• Maintain social distancing means keeping a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) between yourself and another person to prevent the spread of the virus. Avoid physical contact when greeting, like shaking hands, hugging, and kissing. If you are too close to a person who is suffering, especially if you happen to be a caretaker or a health care professional, it is easy to contract the infection through close contact. Avoid spitting in public as the virus can stay on surfaces for long periods of time.  
• If you have fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing, seek medical advice early. Stay home if unwell, and share your previous travel history with your local health authority and follow the instructions given carefully. Stay informed about the latest coronavirus updates from reliable sources and sites to avoid spreading rumors. Wear a mask if you are coughing and sneezing to avoid spreading the COVID-19 infection. 
• Wearing masks and gloves may not be enough to stop infections. Contaminated hand gloves can transmit the infection when you touch your face. Masks must be used and disposed off properly. This, along with proper hygiene, social distancing, and other safety precautions, can be effective in preventing the risk of transmitting the virus. 

Be Safe From Corona Virus

If you are 60+ or suffering from a medical condition like cardiovascular disease, respiratory condition, or diabetes, avoid crowded places where you can come into contact with infected people. Take care of the elderly in your homes and follow a healthy, balanced diet, sleep, and exercise routine. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol and other drugs. 

Be Smart and keep yourself informed, be kind, and support your loved ones during coronavirus. Keep a regular check on the susceptible members of your family, keep children informed, and share stories of people who have experienced and recovered from the disease. 

Stay Home, Stay Safe.