Basic Protection measure 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. 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.