CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 EXPLAINED

​

WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS?

A respiratory illness similar to flu (cough, fever, fatigue & aching body/muscles), can become severe causing viral pneumonia (difficulty breathing). Approximately 4 out of 5 people will have a mild illness and recover without treatment. The elderly and those with underlying health conditions have increased risk of severe illness.

 

HOW DOES IT SPREAD?

You can pick up coronavirus from:

• Touching an infected surface or object. The virus can enter your body when you touch your nose, mouth or eyes.

• Very close contact (1-2 meter’s) with a sick patient.

 

FOLLOW THESE HYGIENE STEPS TO HELP PREVENT IT FROM SPREADING

• Use these steps to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Roll up your sleeves, rinse hands in clean water and apply soap to palm of hand:

  • Apply enough soap to cover the hands

  • Rub palms together

  • Rub tips of nails

  • Rub in between fingers

  • Grip fingers and rub together

  • Rub each thumb with opposite palm

• Avoid touching your face (mouth, nose and eyes)

• Avoid touching other people
   

DISINFECTING YOUR HOME

• Clean surfaces using soap and water. Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces. Products containing bleach, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide are the best at killing off germs.

• Each disinfecting chemical has its own specific instructions. As an important general rule is that you shouldn’t immediately wipe a cleaning solution off as soon as you’ve applied it to a surface. It must stay on long enough to actually kill viruses first.
   

High touch surfaces include:
Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.
 

• Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.

• Bleach solutions are very hard on the skin, and should not be used as a substitute for hand washing and/or hand sanitizer.

 

WHEN SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED THAT YOU MAY HAVE COVID-19?

Only suspect COVID-19 if you have a fever with a cough or shortness of breath AND have in the last 14 days:
 

1. traveled internationally or to an area where COVID-19 is actively spreading from person-to-person in the community OR

2. had close contact with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19
    

If you are feeling short of breath or have difficulty breathing, seek health care urgently. Call ahead to your doctor or alert health facility as soon as you arrive:  tell them about your symptoms and any recent travel/contacts.  Expect to put on a mask before you enter the facility.

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE COVID-19?

• Do not panic.

• First, phone the Corona virus outbreak 24-hour Hotline on 0800 029 999 and follow their advice.

• Stay home, except to get medical care as directed by the helpline. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transport or taxis.

• Rest, ensure you drink plenty of fluids and use flu medications as needed to reduce fever and/or pain.

• Avoid close contact with those who are sick. When in contact with others, wear a mask if available.

• Avoid sharing dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding – after using these, wash them well.

• Only discontinue home isolation in consultation with helpline/healthcare provider (usually after 14 days).