TALKING POINTS ON CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
PROTECT, YOURSELF & OTHERS FROM COVID-19
What is Coronavirus (COVID - 19)? 
This is a highly infectious disease caused by the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) and can spread from person to person through sneezing and coughing droplets. This virus has signs and symptoms similar to the common cold but is more dangerous and if not reported early and managed by the health workers it can cause severe illness and can lead to death.

Where did Coronavirus come from?

There are ongoing studies on the origins of Coronavirus. However, the current outbreak started in a large animal and seafood market in China, in a city called Wuhan.

How does Coronavirus spread?

Coronavirus is spread from human to human when an infected person’s sneeze or cough droplets come into contact with another person’s eyes, nose and/or mouth. It can also spread when a person touches a contaminated surface e.g desk, chair, and door, handle phones etc then touches their eyes, nose and/or mouth.

Who is most at risk?

Everyone is at risk. However, severe symptoms and death appear more frequently among older people and people with underlying health conditions such as lung or heart diseases, kidney failure or weak immune systems are noted to be at a higher risk of infection.

What are the signs and symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Most patients who have been seen so far present with:

·        Fever

Cough

Sore throat

Difficulty in breathing

Other flu-like symptoms such as a running nose, sneezing and body weakness.

What is the difference between Coronavirus and Common flu?

Coronavirus starts like a common flu, but its symptoms and effects are more severe. If not managed early enough it can lead to death.

Is there a vaccine to protect a person from the Corona virus?

There is currently no vaccine to protect against Coronavirus (COVID-19). The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus or to those infected with the virus by the following the preventive measures.

Is there a treatment for Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

There is no specific antiviral treatment. However, people with symptoms should seek medical care immediately to help relieve symptoms and manage complications. When managed early, complications and death can be avoided and the risk of spread is reduced.

How can Coronavirus (COVID 19) be prevented?

There are simple everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of the virus:

·        Maintain a reasonable distance between yourself and someone else of at least 2 metres.

Avoid contact with people who are visibly sick with flu like symptoms (fever, cough, sneezing).

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Hands touch many surfaces, which can be contaminated with the virus, and you can transfer the virus from the contaminated surface to yourself.

Regularly wash your hands often with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and running water are not available, use an alcohol based (at least 60% alcohol) hand rub/sanitizer.

Stay home when you experience the above symptoms to avoid spreading illness to others.

Wear a face mask if you are sick, or if someone around you is sick.

Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or a handkerchief when coughing and sneezing. Throw away the used tissue immediately and wash your hands with soap and running water or use an alcohol based hand rub. The handkerchief must be washed by yourself daily and ironed with a hot iron.

Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs / handles, cars doors, elevator buttons etc daily with regular household disinfectants or soap and water.

Avoid unnecessary movements to prevent the spread of the virus.

 

How can you manage someone who develops symptoms at home/ work?

The best place to manage a sick person with Coronavirus (COVID-19) is at a hospital, where the best possible care can be offered.

However, if the patient is to be managed at home you should:

Place the patient in a single room with open windows to allow air circulate.

Limit the number of caretakers for the patient. Only a person who is in good health should care for the patient. The person caring for the patient should wear a facemask for his or her personal protection.

Household members should stay in different room or maintain a distance of at least one (1) metre (3feet) from the sick person.

Limit the movement of the patient and avoid sharing the same space.

Ensure that shared spaces such as kitchen, bathroom are well ventilated with windows open.

The caregiver should wear a facemask fitted tightly to the face when in the same room as the sick person.

Wash your hands with running water and soap following all contact with sick persons or their immediate environment.

Avoid direct contact with body fluids, particularly oral or respiratory secretions, and stool of the patient.

Avoid sharing toothbrushes, eating utensils, dishes, drinks, towels, washcloths or bed linen with sick person.

Clean and frequently disinfect touched surfaces such as bedside tables, bedframes, and other bedroom furniture daily with the sick person.

 

Clean and disinfect bathroom and toilet surfaces at least once a day with regular household disinfectant.