The coronavirus outbreak that began in the Chinese city of Wuhan before Lunar New Year, is now declared as a “Global Health Emergency” by the World Health Organisation (WHO) yesterday.
What is Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
According to WHO, Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. The COVID-19 is believed to have similar transmission mode as other coronavirus, Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which has shown evidence of human-to-human transmission occurred through droplets, contact and fomites. It is a contagious virus that causes respiratory infection and flu-like symptoms as well severe disease.
To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the COVID-19. People of all ages can be infected by the COVID-19. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.
According to WHO data dated 30 January 2020, nearly 2,000 new cases were recorded in China in the past 24 hours, raising the worldwide total to nearly 9,800. The vast majority of the cases are inside China; 98 cases have been confirmed in 18 other countries.
How To Protect Yourself From COVID-19?
As an extra precaution, besides wearing a face mask, it’s important to maintain good personal hygiene as well as food safety precaution to protect yourself and others from the exposure of this coronavirus.
Here are some WHO’s standard recommendations on how to reduce exposure to the virus, which include hand and respiratory hygiene, and safe food practices.
- Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away immediately and wash hands.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough;
- If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider.
- Practise food safety! Sick animals and animals that have died of diseases should not be eaten.
- The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods.
- When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals.
- At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus. However, it is advisable to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with pets to protect you against various common bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella that can pass between pets and humans.
Read also: #CNY2020: How To Have A Healthy Yet Happy Chinese New Year
