With the news of coronavirus reaching our shores in South Africa, we know families and children especially are asking: What can we do to prevent it from spreading?
Now more than ever it is a great time to practice good hygiene and support your family’s immune systems by making it part of their regular daily routine.
Here are 7 practical steps from the World Health Organisation you can take to help prevent the spread:
One of the most important things you can do now is to wash your hands regularly with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. If there’s no water nearby, use hand sanitizer until you can wash your hands with soap and water.
Like any flu, coronavirus is spread through contact with eyes, mouth and nose. Wash your hands before and after eating, and avoid direct contact with your eyes and nose. Rather use a tissue and discard after use.
If you feel the need to cough or sneeze, consider the people, objects and surfaces around you. Cover your cough with a flexed elbow (or do the kid dab) and sneeze into a tissue which you must discard after use. Germs like to hang around.
Like any flu, coronavirus is highly contagious. The World Health Organisation recommends avoiding crowded places or high-traffic areas.
If you feel unwell, stay home and self-quarantine for a period of two weeks. Avoid contact with family and friends.
Don’t panic. Coronavirus symptoms are similar to the common cold or flu. If you experience any of the symptoms above, stay indoors, rest and should these symptoms persist, call your family medical practitioner to confirm next steps.
For more information relating to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, visit the World Health Organisation, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and the National Department of Health.
Credit: World Health Organisation
