8 Preventive Tips to Stay Safe from Coronavirus

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As the government of the People’s Republic of China in collaboration with the World Health Organisation grapple with curbing the spread of the novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV, it is essential for individuals across the globe to know key-protective measures to keep them safe from the deadly viral disease.

It was observed that there are heightened tension in some countries due to the lack of substantial preparedness by governments as the WHO confirmed at the weekend that the novel Coronavirus has spread to 28 countries, with the number of people confirmed with the virus risen to 17,205 with death put at 361.

While there are speculations about the source of the disease as many are of the opinion that it originated from animal, the WHO still maintains that much remains to be understood about 2019-nCoV. “The source of the outbreak and the extent to which it has spread in China are not yet known. While the current understanding of the disease remains limited, most cases reported to date have been milder, with around 20 percent of those infected experiencing severe illness”, WHO reported stated.

However, both WHO and China noted that the number of cases being reported, including those outside China, is deeply concerning. Better understanding of the transmissible and severity of the virus is urgently required to guide other countries on appropriate response measures.

In Nigeria, where there are scares of the disease in some quarters already, the Federal Ministry of Health, has announced that there is an IN-COUNTRY capacity to test for the disease, while assuring citizens of the best protection from the viral disease.

The Minister of Health Dr Osagie Ehanire via his Twitter handle made the remarks, urging any returnees from China in the last two weeks to self-isolate themselves for 14 days, in case of developing any symptoms.

He tweeted thus:”Nigeria, with the help of WHO and partners now has IN-COUNTRY capacity to test for #Coronavirus. Minister calls on persons who have returned from China in the past 2 weeks to “self-isolate” for 14days and call NCDC on 07032864444 if they develop symptoms”.

In view of the global threat of the novel Coronavirus, here are 8 preventive tips to stay safe from the outbreak, as listed by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Cook food thoroughly before consumption. Scientists are claiming that animals are the primary host of the Coronavirus. Due to this health official recommended cooking meat and animal products like eggs, milk, thoroughly before consumption.
• When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel Coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals.

The CDC also emphasized on the fact that there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for 2019-nCoV infection. People infected with 2019-nCoV should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.