How to protect yourself and others against Coronavirus

Let’s face it, we did not expect this. It took us off guard, and passed from something happening far, far away, to something so close, that it changed our whole world in days. The Coronavirus pandemic is a reality affecting everyone at this point. We are all in this together, so together we will have to find the way to get through it. It’s important that we stay updated and access reliable information, so we can do our part effectively.

Here are some measures we can take, that are also recommended by the World Health Organization.

Wash your hands frequently

Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

Maintain social distancing

Choose to work from home if possible. Avoid public gatherings and maintain at least 2 metres (6 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

Also, try to keep a good respiratory hygiene yourself. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. This way you’ll protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and Coronavirus.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

Our hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, the hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

If you have some symptoms seek medical care early, by phone first

In this case, stay home and seek medical attention by phone first. It may not be Coronavirus, but you wouldn’t want to risk infecting someone else. This will allow the medical facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses. Then follow the directions of your local health authority.

Other “Good to know” things about COVID-19

Until now, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019. However, those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation.
Antibiotics do not work against viruses, they only work on bacterial infections. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work. Antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment of COVID-19.
Until now, there is no evidence that pets can transmit COVID-19. COVID-19 is mainly spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems it may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment). If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others.