Be Smart, Be Safe and Protect Yourself from CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

Check out everything you need to know about the Coronavirus as per the World Health Organization (the incubation period, its symptoms, precautions and instructions to prevent getting infected).
 

What is Coronavirus?

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a worldwide infectious respiratory disease that was first detected in China by the end of 2019.

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Who is More Likely to Get Infected with Coronavirus?

People who are above 60 years old have a higher risk of developing severe disease and it might even lead to death. Also, those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.​

However, everyone is asked to follow the World Health Organization's instructions and precautions to avoid being infected with COVID-19.

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What is the Incubation Period of the Virus?

The virus can be transmitted before onset of symptoms with an incubation period between 2 and 14 days.

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What are the Symptoms of Coronavirus?

The COVID-19 virus affects different people in different ways:

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Common symptoms include:

• Fever

• Tiredness

• Dry cough

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Other symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath

• Aches and pains

• Sore throat

• Diarrhea, nausea or a runny nose

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People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should self-isolate and contact their medical provider or a COVID-19 information line for advice on testing and referral.

People with fever, cough or difficulty breathing should call their doctor and seek medical attention.

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How to Prevent Coronavirus?

To prevent infection and to slow transmission of COVID-19, do the following:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub

  • Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands

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• Maintain at least 1 meter distance between you and people coughing or sneezing

  • When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease​

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• Avoid touching your face

  • Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick​

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• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

  • Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19

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• Stay home if you feel unwell

  • Protect your family members, relative, colleagues, friends, and others from the spread of viruses and other infections. Don't forget to check your fever frequently

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• Refrain from smoking and other activities

  • Smoking weakens the lungs and helps in increasing the chances of being infected by COVID-19

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• Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people​

  • Decrease the chances of physical contact and being infected ​by COVID-19

 

Is there any Treatment or a Vaccine for Coronavirus?

For the time being, there is no specific treatment or vaccine. Most patients can gradually and spontaneously recover.

For more information and any inquiry about Coronavirus COVID-19, please contact the Ministry of Public Health on its hotline: 1214.