The 2019 novel coronavirus disease, also known as COVID-19 is a variant of the virus SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) which causes severe lung disease. The Coronavirus disease started in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019 and has spread to around 200 countries, including Nigeria.
The numbers of confirmed cases and deaths worldwide are alarming but the WHO and NCDC have provided directions on how to contain the spread of Coronavirus and prevent being infected.
How is Coronavirus (COVID-19) Spread?
Coronavirus is spread by being within one meter of a person infected with the disease and by touching contaminated objects and surfaces then touching your face, mouth, eyes or nose with your hands or contaminated objects.
Symptoms of COVID-19
People may be sick with the virus for 1 to 14 days before developing symptoms while some people may not show symptoms at all. The most common symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Diarrhea
The disease can be serious and even fatal but most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Older people, and people with other medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), may be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill.
If you exhibit any of the symptoms or if you just traveled into a country from any of the high-risk nations, ensure you self Isolate and contact your local health provider. If you are in Nigeria, ensure you contact the Nigeria Center For Disease Control on the toll-free line 0800 9700 0010 or on Whatsapp via 07087110839
How to Take Responsibility to Curb the Spread of Coronavirus
There certain things you can do to help curb the spread of Coronavirus. If you have or have not been infected with the disease, follow the guidelines provided by WHO and the NCDC, to protect you and others from contracting Coronavirus.
- Disinfect surfaces like desks, phones, kitchen cabinets
- Wash your hands frequently
- Practice social distancing. Maintain at least 1 meter – 2metersbyourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing
- Do not greet others with a handshake or a hug. Practice safe greeting methods. Wave, nod or bow
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth
- Clean your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizers
- If you are not a health worker, avoid physical contact with infected people
- Practice respiratory hygiene. When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with your elbows bent or with a tissue.
- Dispose used tissue or masks immediately
- Disinfect your elbow after sneezing or coughing into it
- Eat healthy food to boost your immune system
- Exercise using work out videos
- Do not smoke or take alcohol excessively as they do not help your immune system fight diseases
In our efforts to take responsibility and help contain the spread of the virus, all our staff has been working from home since the 24th of March. We are still servicing our clients and providing quality PR, digital, crisis management, media monitoring services and more. If you need any of our services, we can send us an email via info@caritaspr.com or call us on 09098599307 and we will get right back at you.