Coronavirus is a cluster of viruses that are transmitted from wild animals to humans. It gets its name from the crown-shape that is visible under a microscope. In humans, any strain of the Coronavirus can cause respiratory illnesses that can be fatal if untreated. 

The recent outbreak of a novel strain of Coronavirus, named the nCoV-2019 or Novel Coronavirus, is similar to SARS, and is the newest epidemic plaguing not only China, but the rest of the world as well.

 

Here’s a comprehensive guide to what you can do to keep yourself, and others around you, safe from the COVID-19.

Precautionary Measures to Avoid Coronavirus 

  

1. 1. Hand Hygiene
      
      

      1. What You Need to Do
         
         It is important you follow basic hand hygiene and ensure you wash your hands thoroughly with an alcohol-based rub or soap and water. 
      2. Why You Need to Do It 
         
         Alcohol-based hand sanitiser or soap can kill the viruses that may be present on your hands.
         
         

2. Maintain Distance 
   
   

   • What You Need to Do
     
     Keep at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

   • Why You Need to Do It 

     
     When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

     
     

3. Respiratory Hygiene 
   
   

   • What You Need to Do 
     
     Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Ensure you dispose of the used tissue immediately. 
     
     

   • Why You Need to Do It 

     
     Droplets spread viruses. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19. 

4. Stay Indoors 
   
   
   
   

   • What You Need to Do 
     
     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 You Need to Do It 
     
     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 the spread of viruses and other infections.

5. Stay Updated 
   
   

   • What You Need to Do 
     
     

     Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow the 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 You Need to Do It 

     
     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.

 

Tips for People Who Are in or Have Recently Visited Areas Where Covid-19 Is Spreading 

Apart from the above mentioned precautionary measures, follow the below guidelines if you’ve travelled to or from any of the areas where COVID-19 is spreading:

1. 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.

     
     

2. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travellers.
   
   

   • 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 the possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. 

Based on the current situation, the government is setting up 19 new testing centres and isolation wards across 25 hospitals, both private and government.

“This is one of those situations where you cannot be too careful.” - Dr. Naresh Trehan, CMD, Medanta.

In view of the present situation, it is advised to not create panic, but stay safe nonetheless. Get information about Covid-19 from verified, medical sources only and share the right information among peers to avoid any false news and scares.