COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways.
It's caused by a virus called coronavirus. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
PREVENTION & ADVICE
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority.
Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 2 metre (6 feet) distance between yourself & anyone who is coughing or sneezing. If you are too close, you may be infected.
Avoid touching face
Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses easily. So, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth and can make you sick.
Practice respiratory hygiene
Maintain good respiratory hygiene as covering your mouth & nose with your bent elbow or tissue when cough or sneeze.
Take steps to protect others
- Stay home if you’re sick – Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Cover your mouth and nose – with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (throw used tissues in the trash) or use the inside of your elbow.
- Wear a facemask if you are sick or you are moving out – 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
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily – This includes phones, tables, light switches, doorknobs, countertops, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & ATM, Keyboards etc.
- Clean the dirty surfaces – Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
- Stay informed about the local COVID-19 situation – Get up-to-date information about local COVID-19 activity from public health officials.
- Dedicated, lined trash can – If possible, dedicate a lined trash can for the ill person. Use gloves when removing garbage bags, and handling & disposing of trash.