10 Basic Things You Should Do About Coronavirus Today - WHO

With the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus arriving in the US, we'd like every mom and your family stay safe. Your risk depends on where you live, your age & general health. You should also follow your national guidance and consult your local health professionals.

Below are 10 basic things that the World Health Organization (WHO) advice us to do to protect ourselves & others today:

1. clean your hands regularly with an alcohol-based hand rub, or wash them with soap and water. 

Touching your face after touching contaminated surfaces or sick people is one of the ways the coronavirus can be transmitted.

2. Clean surfaces regularly with disinfectant – for example kitchen benches and work desks.

3. Educate yourself about COVID19. Make sure your information comes from reliable sources: your local or national public health agency, the WHO website, or your local health professional. 

Everyone should know the COVID19 symptoms – for most people, it starts with a fever and a dry cough, not a runny nose. Most people will have mild disease and get better without needing any special care.

4. Avoid traveling if you have a fever or cough, and if you become sick while on a flight, inform the crew immediately. Once you get home, make contact with a health professional and tell them about where you have been.

5. If you cough or sneeze, do it into your sleeve, or use a tissue. Dispose of the tissue immediately into a closed rubbish bin, and then clean your hands. 

6. If you are 60+ or if you have an underlying condition like:

• cardiovascular disease
• respiratory condition
• diabetes

you have a higher risk of developing severe COVID19. You may wish to avoid crowded areas or places where you might interact with people who are sick.

7. If you feel unwell, stay at home & call your doctors. (S)he will ask Qs about your symptoms, where you have been & who you have had contact with. This will help to make sure you get the right advice, are directed to the right & will prevent you from infecting others.

8. If you are sick, stay at home, and eat and sleep separately from your family, use different utensils and cutlery to eat.

9. If you develop shortness of breath, call your doctor and seek care immediately.

10. It’s normal & understandable to feel anxious, especially if you live in a country or community that has been affected. Find out what you can do in your community. Discuss how to stay safe with your workplace, school or place of worship.

Together, we are powerful. Containment starts with you. Our greatest enemy right now is not the coronavirus itself. It’s fear, rumors and stigma. And our greatest assets are facts, reason and solidarity.