VON, LISBON.
We need to stop the spread of the new coronavirus strain, but how? The World Health Organization has compiled a series of recommendations
Created by the UN in 1948 to raise health standards worldwide, WHO entered the year 2020 in the arms of a new strain of coronavirus and this month of March was forced to declare that it had reached the level of a pandemic. Now that Covid-19 has reached hundreds of countries and more than 133,000 people, the WHO’s focus is to share advice with the population that can help stop the spread of the virus. The main protective measures to reduce the likelihood of contracting covid-19 are:
1. WASH YOUR HANDS REGULARLY
With soap and water or disinfectant gel, washing your hands often helps to kill the virus if it is in that area of the body. Wearing gloves is no more effective than washing your hands, as touching a contaminated surface and then bringing the glove to your face can become infected.
2. AVOID KISSES AND HANDSHAKES
Do you usually greet friends and acquaintances with kisses? Forget. With the contagion level of Covid-19 the ideal is to greet from a distance. No one is going to take it wrong, believe me.
3. CARE WHEN COUGHING AND / OR SNEEZING
In case of coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with the pleat of your elbow or with a tissue. In this case, immediately put the handkerchief in the trash and then wash your hands thoroughly. Covering the mouth and nose prevents the spread of the virus. If you sneeze into your hands, the likelihood of contaminating objects and people you touch is high.
4. KEEP THE SOCIAL DISTANCE
In addition to avoiding kisses and handshakes, the WHO recommends at least one meter of distance for all people, especially those who show symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and fever. Why? Because when someone with a respiratory infection like Covid-19 sneezes or coughs, they project small contaminated droplets. If you are close to that person, the probability of inhaling the virus is high.
5. DON’T TOUCH YOUR OWN EYES, NOSE AND MOUTH
Hands constantly touch surfaces, handles and objects that may be contaminated. Bringing your hands to your face can transfer the virus from these surfaces into your body. Hence the importance of washing your hands often.
6. DO YOU HAVE A FEVER AND DIFFICULTY BREATHING? STAY AT HOME AND CALL SNS24
According to DGS, 65% of the 78 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Portugal had symptoms of cough, 46% had fever and about 40% complained of muscle pain and / or headache. If you have any of these symptoms, do not leave the house and call 808 24 24 24, through which you can be heard and advised by health technicians. Put the previous measures into practice and remain isolated, as this prevents the possible spread of Covid-19 or other respiratory infections.
7. FOLLOW THE NEWS
The World Health Organization considers it essential that the population remains informed about the latest news in relation to Covid-19 and the areas where it is spreading. At this point, there is little care and the goal is to reduce the likelihood of contracting the virus.
8. WERE YOU RECENTLY IN A COUNTRY WITH MANY CASES OF COVID-19?
Travelers who have had contact with confirmed cases should contact the authorities in order to undergo medical observation. The rest should be aware of possible symptoms of respiratory infection.
9. DO YOU HAVE TRIPS BOOKED? THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
Right now, the northern hemisphere is in the middle of winter, a time when flu and other respiratory infections are very common. The WHO therefore recommends that unnecessary travel be avoided as it is urgent to contain the spread of Covid-19 and the degree of difficulty increases with the movement of people between countries.
