Is the Coronavirus coming to Malta? Here’s what you can do to avoid contracting it
The Coronavirus (which no, has nothing to do with Corona beer #TenksGod) has officially been declared as an emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). The virus, which is spread when an infected individual coughs or sneezes, started over the past few weeks in China, but it has now spread in different parts around the globe.
Cases have been reported in 18 countries including parts of the US, the UK, Germany, Japan, Vietnam and Italy, and with it being so close to our shores, the possibility that it will spread to our islands is on our minds. While that remains to be seen, here are some suggestions we’ve come across, according to several sources, as to what you can do to avoid contracting the virus, if it does make its way to our islands.
1. For the time being, avoid travelling to China.
2. Wash the heck out of your hands and use hand sanitizer.
3. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
4. Wear a face mask for protection.
5. Call up your doctor if you’re having trouble breathing, have a fever or cough.
6. Avoid eating raw or undercooked animal products if you are currently in an affected area.
7. Avoid touching things in public areas and then touching your face.
8. Regularly clean surfaces and devices you touch frequently.
Symptoms of the virus include fatigue, difficulty breathing, fever and a cough and/or sore throat, which are similar to regular respiratory diseases such as the common cold and the flu. Symptoms tend to appear any time between two and 10 days after contracting the virus, which is spread through coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, and touching anything that has come into contact with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes straight after.
Take care, folks!