Safeguarding against Coronavirus

​​There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, but there are things we can do to help protect ourselves and our loved ones from contagion. Here’s how to prevent Coronavirus: firstly, we must wash our hands frequently, for a duration of at least 20 seconds each time, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, can stop germs from spreading from one person to another.

1. Hand washing is more than just a quick splash of water and soap. Follow these 5 steps to clean your hands every time.

• • Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap. (Any soap, not necessarily antibacterial soap)
  • Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
  • Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
  • Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
  • Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs! To prevent Coronavirus from spreading use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol only when soap and water are not readily available.

2. Know other hygiene etiquette

• Always cough and sneeze into a tissue (make sure to throw it away after each use!) or to cough and sneeze into your arm or elbow, not your hands.
• Avoid touching your face; teach your children to do the same.
• When you feel any cold and flu symptoms or fever, stay home and know when to keep your ill child from school or day care until recovery.
• Always maintain a 1-meter distance between you and others.
• Clean and disinfect your home as usual using regular household cleaning sprays or wipes.
• Avoid travel to highly infected areas.

To prevent Coronavirus know that facemasks are recommended for people who have symptoms of COVID-19 and healthcare workers, or anyone taking care of someone with COVID-19, not for people who are healthy.

• Know the reason behind the media attention

It’s not about the mortality rate of the disease, because that is very low compared to the common flu or pneumonia. The attention the virus is getting is due to the fact that it is newly discovered, so doctors and scientists are still learning about how to prevent Coronavirus every day. As the virus spreads, different patterns are emerging, from mild illness, to extreme illness and death.

• Know the symptoms o​f COVID-19

These can range from mild to severe and can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Some people like older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease are at high risk of getting a severe infection like pneumonia and experience difficulty in breathing.

• When in doubt, check with the experts

Call hotline 105.

• Stay up-to-date by trusted resources

Families are encouraged to remain up-to-date about this situation as we learn more about how to prevent Coronavirus from spreading in our homes and communities.

Additional sources:
2019 Novel Coronavirus
Hand Washing – a Powerful Antidote to Illness