Pandemic
- On March 12th World Health Organization announced COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. A pandemic has nothing to do with changes to the characteristics of a disease but is instead associated with concerns over its geographic spread.
- The current situation in the last 24 hours as of March 16th, 2020 according to the World Health Organization
Globally
132 758 confirmed (7499 new)
4955 deaths (342 new)
China
80 991 confirmed (11 new)
3180 deaths (07 new)
Outside of China
51 767 confirmed (7488 new)
1775 deaths (335 new)
122 countries/territories/
areas (5 new)
WHO RISK ASSESSMENT
China Very High
Regional Level Very High
Global Level Very High
To prevent the COVID-19 spreading more, we all need to play our part. Firstly, let’s break it down on what we can do to prevent it from spreading.
What?
- COVID-19 is a new deadly disease that is taking the world by storm. An illness that can affect your lungs and airways.
Symptoms of Covid-19
- A Cough
- A High Temperature (at least 38c)
- Shortness of breath
Remember! These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have COVID-19. The symptoms are like the flu and cold. No matter what, it is important to keep you and others around you safe when you’re sick
How is COVID-19 transmitted
- Like the common flu can be spread from a person to another person.
- If someone has COVID-19 and they cough, sneeze or talk they can leave droplets containing the virus in the surrounding area.
- You may get infected if you touch the surface area with the droplets and then you touch your mouth, nose or eyes.
Here’s a short clip video to help kids and young adults to understand Coronavirus & how it spreads. Thanks to Dr. Michelle Dickinson!
What can I do to prevent COVID-19 Spreading?
- Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds.
- Cough or Sneeze into your elbow or by covering your mouth and nose with tissues
- Put used tissues in a bin or a bag immediately
- Avoid Personal Contact-Clean and disinfect frequently touched areas and objects
- Avoid people who are unwell regardless
- If your sick just stay at home and rest!! Do not go to public areas.
Face Masks
It is important to wear masks correctly. If worn wrong you are still spreading germs!
When to use a mask
- If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection.
- Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
- Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.
How to put on, use, take off and dispose of a mask
- Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
- Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks.
- To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of the mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
Self-Isolation
- You must self-isolate for 14 days, if you have signs of any symptoms or have traveled since the self-isolation law on March 16th at 1:00 am and contact the Healthline number 24/7 on 0800 358 5453
- Limit as much contact with people as possible, other than family members or the people you traveled with.
- Family, friends or delivery drivers can drop off food and supplies
- If you are at home and live with people who haven’t traveled with you, minimize contact no closer than 2 meters and not more than 15 minutes long.
- The household residents do not need to self-isolate provided these safety measures are followed.
- If your case is confirmed your household residents would need to self-isolate too.
- Do not share any items with the household. Wash with soap and water thoroughly and put it into the dishwasher or wash items in the washing machine.
Maintaining a clean environment
- Make sure surfaces are constantly cleaned like door handles, phones, etc.
- It will be handy to carry a small pocket size hand sanitizer.
More Information & helpful links:
W.H.O. How to use Face Mask with other languages options
Ministry of Health advice for the general public
7 Cleaning Uses for Hydrogen Peroxide from The Spruce
How to clean your Apple Products