Basic
protective measures against the new coronavirus
Stay aware of the
latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and
through your national and local public health authority. COVID-19 is still
affecting mostly people in China with some outbreaks in other countries. Most
people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be
more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing
the following:
Wash
your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your
hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using
alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 1
metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or
sneezing.
Why? 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.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Why? 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.
Practice respiratory hygiene
Make sure you, and the
people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your
mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then
dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good
respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as
cold, flu and COVID-19.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical
care early
Stay home if you feel
unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical
attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health
authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have
the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in
advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right
health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses
and other infections.
Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare
provider
Stay informed on the
latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare
provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on
how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Why? National and local authorities will have
the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area.
They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to
protect themselves.
