Coronaviruses (CoV),
Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading
Coronaviruses (CoV) are
a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to
more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is
a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
Coronaviruses
are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.
Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet
cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known
coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.
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.
Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus
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. COVID-19 is still affecting mostly people in
China with some outbreaks in other countries. Most people who become infected
experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take
care of your health and protect others by doing the following:
Wash
your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly
clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and
water.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using
alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Maintain social
distancing
Maintain at least 1
metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or
sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid
droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too
close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the
person coughing has the disease.
Avoid
touching eyes, nose and mouth
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once
contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From
there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Practice respiratory
hygiene
Make sure you, and the
people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. 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.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory
hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and
COVID-19.
If you have fever, cough
and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
Stay home if you feel
unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical
attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health
authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to
date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow
your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility.
This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other
infections.
Stay informed and
follow advice given by your healthcare provider
Stay informed on the latest
developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider,
your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to
protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Why? National and local authorities
will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in
your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be
doing to protect themselves.
Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently
visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading
- Follow the guidance
outlined above.
- Stay at home if you
begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight
runny nose, until you recover. Why? Avoiding
contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these
facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others
from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.
- If you develop fever,
cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may
be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in
advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with
travelers. Why? Calling
in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to
the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread
of COVID-19 and other viruses.
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