Coronavirus Updates

• 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China.
• Early on, many of the patients in the outbreak in Wuhan, China reportedly had some link to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread.
• However, a growing number of patients reportedly have not had exposure to animal markets, indicating person-to-person spread is occurring.
• The name coronavirus is derived from the Latin corona, meaning “crown” or “halo”, which refers to the characteristic appearance reminiscent of a crown.

1. A number of governments advise against all non-essential travel to countries and areas affected by the outbreak.
2. There are misconceptions circulating about how to prevent infection: rinsing the nose, gargling with mouthwash, and eating garlic are not effective.
3. The CDC recommends that people wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the toilet or when hands are visibly dirty.

• It further recommended using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol by volume (or 120 proof) when soap and water are not readily available.
• The WHO also advise people to avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

1. Health organizations recommended that people cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (which should then be disposed of immediately), or with a sleeve if a tissue is not available.
2. The use of surgical masks by those who may be infected has also been recommended, as they can limit the volume and travel distance of expiratory droplets dispersed when talking, sneezing, and coughing.
3. There is no evidence to show that the wearing of surgical masks by uninfected people at low risk is effective.
4. Only China has specifically recommended the use of masks by healthy members of the public, while face masks have been widely used by healthy people in Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore.

1. Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
2. If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.
3. Before putting on a mask, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
4. Cover your mouth and nose with the mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
5. Avoid touching the mask while using it.
6. Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks.
7. To remove the mask, remove it from behind (do not touch the front of the mask), discard it immediately in a closed bin, and then clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

More info from the CDC on virus prevention Click here