The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic[1]. A global coordinated effort is needed to stop the further spread of the virus. A pandemic is defined as “occurring over a wide geographic area and affecting an exceptionally high proportion of the population.”[2] The last pandemic reported in the world was the H1N1 flu pandemic in 2009.

Typically Coronaviruses present with respiratory symptoms. Among those who will become infected, some will show no symptoms. Those who do develop symptoms may have a mild to moderate, but self-limiting disease with symptoms similar to the seasonal flu[13]. Symptoms may include: 

Respiratory symptoms

Fever

Cough

Shortness of breath

Breathing difficulties

Fatigue

Sore throat

The WHO suggests the following basic preventative measures to protect against the new coronavirus[19][20]

Stay up to date with the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak through WHO updates or your local and national public health authority.

Perform hand hygiene frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub if your hands are not visibly dirty or with soap and water if hands are dirty.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Practice respiratory hygiene by coughing or sneezing into a bent elbow or tissue and then immediately disposing of the tissue.

Wear a medical mask if you have respiratory symptoms and performing hand hygiene after disposing of the mask.

Evidence is still emerging, but current information is indicating that human-to-human transmission is occurring. The routes of transmission of COVID-19 remains unclear at present, but evidence from other coronaviruses and respiratory diseases indicates that the disease may spread through large respiratory droplets and direct or indirect contact with infected secretions

STAY HOME, STAY SAFE

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