How to protect yourself from Coronavirus and prevent spreading it?

In the context of the outbreak of Covid-19, EpiGuard feel that it is important to share information about what we all can do as individuals to protect ourselves and prevent spreading the disease further. The information below is based on tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the USA.

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What can you do to protect yourself and others?

• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available.
• Stay at home if you have signs and symptoms of an infection. 
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Travel wisely. Don’t fly when you’re ill. With so many people confined to such a small area, you may infect other passengers in the plane. And your trip won’t be comfortable, either.

With a little common sense and the proper precautions, you can avoid infectious diseases and avoid spreading them.

If you travelled to China in the last 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should:

• Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms. 
• Avoid contact with others.

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What is the current situation?

• This outbreak began in early December 2019 and continued to expand in scope and magnitude. Chinese health officials have reported first cases in the city of Wuhan and severe illness has been reported, including deaths. It has spread to all around the world.
• Person-to-person spread is occurring.

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What to look out for regarding the Coronavirus virus:

According to the CDC, a person could be at risk if they have:

• Fever and symptoms of lower respiratory illness, such as coughing or difficulty breathing, after travelling to Wuhan or having close contact with someone who was ill and is now under investigation for the virus in the past two weeks.
• Fever or symptoms of lower respiratory illness after having close contact in the past two weeks with someone who’s been confirmed to have the virus.

The CDC defined “close contact” as being within about 6 feet (1.8 m) “or within the room or care area” of a person with the coronavirus for a prolonged period without appropriate protective clothing, or “having direct contact with infectious secretions” of a person with the virus without protective clothing.

The agency said close contact could include “caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a health care waiting area or room” with a person with the virus.

EpiGuard provides extensive and detailed training with the EpiShuttle to stop the spread of the virus. Contact us to find out more!