10 Ways To Protect Yourself and Others Against Coronavirus
10 Ways To Protect Yourself and Others Against Coronavirus. The new coronavirus appears to be spreading from person to person. It may be spread by respiratory droplets when someone infected with the virus coughs or sneezes. Although it’s unclear exactly how contagious the virus is, one can always take protective measures.
1. Wash Your Hands Frequently
A simple and effective way to protect yourself from coronavirus is by making sure you wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or a hand sanitiser if you are out and about. It’s particularly important to wash your hands once you get home or arrive at work or before you prepare or eat food.
2. Don’t Touch Your Eyes, Nose or Mouth With Unclean Hands
Your hands may touch many surfaces which can be contaminated with the virus. If you touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your contaminated hands, you can transfer the virus from the surface to yourself.
3. Catch Coughs and Sneezes In A Tissue
One of the ways we become infected, or pass on viruses to others, is through the droplets in coughs and sneezes. For instance through someone who has a virus, coughing onto their hand, then touching a door handle. If you are unwell, catch your coughs and sneezes in a tissue, or use your arm if needed. Throw the tissues away, then wash your hands.
4. Be Careful What You Eat
Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat or animal organs. Some of our citizens travel a lot, so if you’re visiting live markets in areas that have recently had new coronavirus cases, avoid contact with live animals and surfaces they may have touched.
5. Maintain Social Distancing
Maintain at least 1 metre 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 virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
6. Use Health Services Wisely
If you start to experience symptoms and believe you could have coronavirus, do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital as you could pass the infection to others.
7. Be Prepared To Self-isolate
If COVID-19 begins to spread in the community over the coming days or weeks, people with symptoms of coronavirus such as a cough or fever may be asked to self-isolate at home. This may mean staying indoors and avoiding contact with other people for a few weeks.
8. Travel Safely
Some countries like China and Italy have reported many cases of the virus. If you’re planning to travel internationally, first check the World Health Organization website for updates and advice. Also look for any health advisories that may be in place where you plan to travel.
9. Stay Up To date With Trusted Sources of Information
Since COVID-19 began to spread quickly across the world, it has been a major global news story and with this level of media and public interest it’s inevitable that myths, misinformation and rumors will be shared online. The Government will keep people informed of new advice and developments.
10. Do Not Panic
The most important thing you can do is to not panic. While the outbreak is a serious public health concern, the majority of those who contract the coronavirus do not become seriously ill, and only a small percentage require intensive care.
