1. What is COVID-19?

     COVID-19 is a new respiratory illness that is highly contagious and that can be spread from person to person via droplets.

 

 2. How is COVID-19 spread?

     COVID-19 is spread primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes. So it’s important that you practice respiratory etiquette

 

 3. What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

      The symptoms include: fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, head and body ache

 

 4. What personal infection prevention measures can one take?

 

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub. Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kill viruses that may be on your hands.

• Maintain social distancing. Maintain at least a 2 meters distance between yourself and anyone who’s coughing and sneezing. When someone coughs and sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus

• Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth. Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to the eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and make you sick

• Practice respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose the tissue immediately. Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19

• Avoid shaking hands, hugging or kissing people with flu-like symptoms. Elbow bumps and foot taps are encouraged

     

 5. What should I do if I think I have COVID-19 symptoms?

      Self-quarantine and call 719 before visiting any healthcare facility