Armour up for COVID-19!
With the ongoing nationwide lockdown and the constant stream of forwarded messages on WhatsApp, it feels as though all anyone is talking about is the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). During a health crisis such as this, having accurate information is essential for protecting both our loved ones and ourselves. Unfortunately, a great deal of misinformation continues to circulate on social media platforms, often leaving people frightened and ill-informed.
Declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11th March 2020, COVID-19 has claimed over 18,589 lives and affected more than 416,686 people across 196 countries within just three months. At the time of reporting (as of 25/03/2020, 18:00 CET), India had recorded 606 confirmed cases.
This pandemic has triggered two extreme reactions among people: some are in a state of panic, falling prey to baseless rumours, while others remain indifferent, assuming “it won’t happen to me” and continuing with life as usual.
Most people who contract the virus experience mild symptoms and recover. However, it can be severe—and even fatal—for others. Given the contagious nature of the virus and the current absence of a specific vaccine or cure, it is vital to equip ourselves with reliable information and strictly adhere to the protocols issued by government and health authorities. Below are key guidelines to safeguard your health and protect those around you
Wash your hands frequently
Regular and thorough handwashing with soap and warm water remains the most effective method to prevent the spread of the virus. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol content. Practising this consistently will significantly reduce the risk of infection only when the hand rubbing is done for a minimum of 20-30 seconds for a hand sanitiser and 40-60 seconds for soap and water.
The illustration below shows how washing hands with soap dissolves the outer lipid layer of the virus and rendering it ineffective:
Maintain social distancing
Limiting physical interaction is one of the most effective ways to curb transmission. Maintain a distance of at least 1 metre (3 feet) from others, especially in public spaces. This helps to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets from an infected person when they cough or sneeze. The government-mandated lockdown has already reduced in-person contact. Let us all play our part by staying at home and limiting social interactions further.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
We are prone to infecting ourselves with disease, by spreading the bacteria and viruses we pick up with our hands when we touch our surrounding environment or even other people. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to our eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter our body and make us sick. This is why health authorities have now warned against touching our faces in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus.
Practice respiratory hygiene
Respiratory hygiene or cough etiquette is in general recommended for people with respiratory ailments by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, but in times like these, it is advisable for every individual to follow the stated measures as follows: Always cover your mouth with a bent elbow or tissue and not your palms when you sneeze or cough. Tissues must be safely disposed immediately after use and hand wash routines must be followed shortly after. Handkerchiefs are to be avoided as they become a breeding ground for virus and bacteria.
By following the above stated measures, you can protect yourself and the people around you from the spread of the virus.
If you or your loved one(s) are experiencing symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, immediately isolate the concerned member from other family members and seek medical attention from your local health authority. You can call on your respective state helpline number or the 24x7 National helpline number 1075 (Toll free) | 011-23978046 provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Please follow the instructions of National and local authorities, as they will have the most up–to-date information on the situation in your area. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of virus.
Overall, it is very important to take care of your mental health by exercising daily, keeping your surroundings clean, keeping your mind occupied with hobbies, staying informed and adhering to the protocols set up by your respective government, as is a necessity in these times of uncertainty like this.
World Vision is combating the COVID-19 pandemic by promoting preventive measures, supporting health systems and supporting children made vulnerable by this global health crisis. Our global team is promoting preventive behaviours on our social media platforms; providing essential materials, masks and hand-washing supplies to those in need and assisting medical facilities with supplies, transportation and personal protection equipment (PPE). As a child focused NGO, we are making sure that children’s health and nutritional needs are met, remote education is made available wherever possible; and families are provided with livelihood to sustain during these trying times.
Help us fight misinformation about COVID-19 by getting your facts from reliable sources like WHO, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India; these organisations work around the clock with global health experts to provide accurate information to the world. Share this information with your family, friends and colleagues to help ensure people have the right facts about COVID-19 and can protect their health.
Stay calm, stay safe and stay informed!
Disclaimer: The content of this blog has been adapted from WHO’s webpage on ‘Advice for public’. Please visit their website for more updates.
(https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public)
Labels: #covid-19 #coronavirus #pandemic #awareness #who #worldhealthorganization #unicef #facts #prevention #worldvisionindia #worldvisioninternational #wvi #lockdown
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