Due to the recent outbreak of COVID-19 the World Health Organisation has released the following guidelines in order to reduce infection and protect yourself and those around you.
Wash your hands frequently
Keep your hands clean and wash them with soap and water or an alcoholic-based hand sanitiser. Regularly cleaning your hands kills viruses that may be present on your hands.
Maintain social distancing
When someone is coughing or sneezing be sure to maintain a distance of at least 1 metre between them and yourself. A spray of small liquid droplets can come out of someone’s mouth or nose when they cough or sneeze. These liquid droplets can contain the virus and be breathed in by yourself.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Hands can easily pick up germs and bacteria from different surfaces, this is why it is crucial to keep hands thoroughly cleaned. Germs and bacteria can easily be transferred from hands to the face when it is touched. Once your face is contaminated with these germs the virus can enter your body and make you sick.
Practice respiratory hygiene
Good respiratory hygiene includes covering your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze. Where possible you should try to cough or sneeze into a tissue then dispose of it and follow up by washing your hands. Where a tissue is not available you should cough or sneeze into your bent elbow.
The liquid droplets that are released when coughing or sneezing can contaminate the people around you so good respiratory hygiene is crucial to protect yourself and others.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
Remain at home if you feel unwell and be sure to call before arriving at your local doctor’s office. National and local authorities will have the most up to date information for your area and calling in advance will allow them to advise you correctly or take necessary precautions if you are required to come in. Seeking early medical care helps prevent the spread of viruses and other infections.
Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider
Updates regarding COVID-19 are regularly being released by healthcare providers. National and local authorities will have the most update to date information for your area and can best advise you on what you should be doing to protect yourself and others.
These health guidelines should always be followed to prevent the spread of viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
Sources:
- World Health Organisation. 2020. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public [Accessed 13 March 2020]
