About COVID-19

The Corona Virus-COVID 19 situation is becoming an alarming issue Worldwide and beyond control. The virus currently contains no vaccine and no specific treatment.

What is the Corona Virus – COVID 19?

A large family of viruses, known to cause illness spanning the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Apparently can be found throughout the world in both, humans and animals.

A novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus, not identified in humans before.

COVID-19 is closely related to SARS and belongs to the same family as MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) coronavirus.

What are the symptoms of COVID – 19?

The symptoms include (but are not limited to):

• • fever,
  • cough,
  • fatigue,
  • shortness of breath,
  • rapid breathing,
  • sore throat, and
  • runny nose.

What preventive measures should I take if I have any of the above symptoms?

Please see your doctor immediately

Please provide information on your recent overseas travels and contacts and/or on any one you have been in close contact with who recently travelled to China or one of those countries afflicted by this virus.

 Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing so that you do not infect those physically close to you.

Different ways of protecting ourselves from the virus

Wash your hands frequently and regularly by using soap and warm water in the event that no water is available you can clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub sanitizer.

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 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Reason: When someone coughs or sneezes they spray liquid droplets for their noese or mouth which contain virus. Anyone standing close to this person risks breathing in the droplets including the COVID -19, if the person has contracted this disease

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Our hands can pick up viruses from surfaces very easily and we can easily transfer these to our eyes and mouth and from there, they can easily enter our body

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 (see diagram below) 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.

Or cover your nose with a mask

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. They will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are better placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.

How can I keep myself updated on this virus?

 Follow any of these three sources

• The ministry of Health – Seychelles provides regular updates through the Media.
• WHO advisories (It is THE authority on health and emergencies like the COVID-19)
• Follow the International Red Cross Federation’s advisories (the most well-known and reputed First Responder in situations of emergencies like this COVID -19)

 If you are feeling stressed about living in this small country and the high risks if the virus reaches here

Go see the Health and Safety officer for further advice.

 Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading

• Follow the guidance outlined above.

• Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover. 
• Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.

• If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers. 
• Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

Based on information from the WHO Website IFRC newsfeeds as well as from the Guardian Newspaper (UK)