Seven simple steps to protect yourself and others against COVID-19
12 March 2020
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the new coronavirus. Most people who become infected will experience non-severe symptoms and recover. But others will experience serious illness, especially in the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Here are some simple steps you can take to protect your health and the health of others.
These tips can be followed by everyone, but they are very important if you live in an area with COVID-19.
1. Wash your hands often
Practice hand washing thoroughly with hand sanitizer with alcohol or wash with soap and water.
Why? We always use our hands to handle things that may be contaminated. We may not be aware that we are touching our face, the virus has been transmitted to the eyes, nose and mouth and we are infected. Viruses that may be in your contaminated hand die, including the new coronavirus, by washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
We often hold our hand unconsciously. Be vigilant about it, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Why? Many touch hands and it can get viruses. Once the hand is contaminated, the virus is transmitted to the eyes, nose and mouth and can enter the body and cause illness.
3. Cover your cough and sneeze
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow proper respiratory hygiene. This means covering the mouth and nose with the inside of the elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing. Immediately dispose of used tissue in a covered trash can and wash your hands.
Why? If a person coughs or sneezes, a small droplet is expelled from the nose and mouth which may contain the virus. Covering your cough or cough will prevent the spread of viruses and germs to others. By using the inside of the elbow or tissue - and not your hand - for coughing or sneezing, avoiding the transfer of contaminated droplets to your hand. This, in turn, prevents the transmission of the virus to humans or objects.
4. Avoid crowded places and close contact with a person with a fever or cough
Avoid crowded places, especially if you are over 60 or have a chronic illness such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart and lung disease or cancer. Keep at least 1 meter apart from you and anyone with a fever or cough.
Why? COVID-19 is mainly spread through droplets that come out of the mouth or nose when a person coughs or sneezes. By avoiding crowded places, you distance yourself (at least 1 meter) from people who may have COVID-19 or anyone else who is sick.
5. Stay home if you are sick
Stay home if you are feeling sick, even if it is just a fever and a cough.
Why? By staying indoors and not going to work or anywhere else, you will recover faster and prevent the spread of the disease to other people.
6. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, consult immediately - but call the health facility first
If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, consult early - if possible, call the hospital or health center first to be told where you are going.
Why? This will help to ensure that the advice given to you is correct, that you will be taught the right health facility, and that you will avoid infecting others.
7. Get information from a trusted authority
Find out the latest information about COVID-19 from trusted artists. Make sure the information comes from reliable speakers - the Department of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), or your local health worker. Everyone should know the symptoms - most COVID-19 starts with fever and dry cough.
Why? Local and national authorities are aware of the latest information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are the ones who know best what advice to give in your area, so that people can protect themselves.
