Essential Tips to Prevent The Spread Of The Coronavirus

The novel Coronavirus has succeeded in shaking the whole world. With its arrival in our home country, Nigeria, we can now thoroughly debunk the widely circulated myth that the virus can't thrive here due to our hot weather condition or the presence of melanin in our skin. As at the time of writing this article, Nigeria had reported 36 confirmed cases and 1 death; to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, we advise everyone to obey the safety tips put out by the World Health Organisation and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control which has been reiterated below.

Here's All You Need to Know About COVID-19

The respiratory illness which was initially discovered in China on December 31st, 2019, is a zoonotic disease (transmitted between animals and humans) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (the coronavirus). The disease is highly contagious and currently has no cure though the symptoms can be treated. Many recover from the condition, but a few infected people- especially older adults and those with underlining sicknesses are at a higher risk of not surviving. Some common symptoms of the virus may include headaches, fever, cough, high temperature, diarrhoea, cough, breathing difficulties, and more. Note that people manifest different symptoms, and those infected who do not have any signs can still transmit the disease.

How to Prevent The Spread of The Virus.

Social Distancing and Self-Isolation

This isn't the perfect time to attend events, social gatherings, or visit any crowded place where people cannot maintain a distance of at least 2 meters. The Government has encouraged everyone to stay at home as much as possible because one infected person can infect a whole lot of other people without their knowledge. Furthermore, if you feel sick or just return from a trip to countries experiencing the pandemic, ensure you isolate yourself for 14 days to ensure you do not have any symptoms of the virus. You really don't want to infect others around you.

Improve Your Hygiene Level 

Wash your hand frequently and properly for at least 20 seconds under running water; this helps to kill germs. In the case where you cannot wash your hands, apply hand sanitiser and do not dry your hands with a towel. You must also avoid touching your face with unwashed hands; the eyes, nose, and mouth are entrance points into the body for the virus. You should consciously watch what you eat and come in contact with during this period.

Cough Rightly

Many of us have been coughing the wrong way all our lives; it's time to amend our way. One important tip to prevent the spread of the coronavirus is to cough into a tissue paper which should be immediately disposed of and wash your hands afterwards, or cough into your elbow. Stay away from sick people and put on a face mask if you have to interact with them.

This is absolutely not the time to panic or say that no weapon fashioned against you shall prosper. Obey instructions given by constituted authority and medical practitioners who are standing in the frontline of this battle. Remain at home and be safe; we hope we all survive this and live for many more days.

While we stay at home and maintain social distancing, it is only normal for our minds to wander off and think about things like our businesses, finances, the well-being of ourselves and loved ones amongst other mind-bugging thoughts. It is vital to take care of our mental and physical health intentionally. Engage in activities you enjoy that won't put your health at risk, read, watch movies, relax, feed well, exercise a lot, and don't forget we have games and other devices to help you have fun even during this lock-down season.