The world is at a near standstill because of the deadly coronavirus. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an illness caused by a virus that can spread from person to person. There is no specific treatment for COVID-19, and that is what makes it so dangerous.
WHERE DID IT ALL START?
On 31 December 2019, Wuhan City, China, reported a cluster of 27 pneumonia cases (including seven severe cases) of unknown etiology, with a commonly reported link to Wuhan’s Seafood Wholesale Market, a wholesale fish, and live animal market.
By 20 January 2020, there were reports of confirmed cases from three countries outside China: Thailand, Japan, and South Korea. Since then, 210 countries and territories around the world have reported a total of 2,646,462 confirmed cases of the coronavirus COVID-19 and a death toll of 184,353 deaths.
HOW CAN I TELL IF I AM INFECTED?
You can become infected by coming into close contact (about 2 meters or two arm lengths) with a person who has COVID-19. COVID-19 is primarily spread from person to person. You can become infected from respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. You may also be able to get it by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate symptoms. On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however, it can take up to 14 days. The most common symptoms include: fever, tiredness, dry cough. Some people may also experience:
- Aches and pains.
- Nasal congestion.
- Runny nose.
- Sore throat.
- Diarrhea.
KEEPING MYSELF AND LOVED ONES SAFE
Protect yourself and others around you by knowing the facts, taking appropriate precautions and follow the advice provided by your local public health agency. To prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. - Always wear a face mask whenever you are out and about in public places
- Practice social distancing.
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
- Avoid all public gatherings
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
- If you have a fever, a cough, and difficulty breathing, seeks medical attention immediately.
- Follow the directions of your local health authority.
- Avoiding unneeded visits to medical facilities allows healthcare systems to operate more
effectively, therefore protecting you and others. - Avoid meeting with your grandparents or any relatives over the age of 60.
LAST NOTE…
“If we continue behaving normally, this disease will treat us abnormally.”
Mutahi Kagwe, Cabinet Secretary for Health
We live in strange and dangerous times. As of 22nd April 2020, the United States recorded the highest number of deaths at 47,973 while Kenya has so far reported 303 infections, 83 recoveries, and 14 deaths. This is definitely not the time to relax, we MUST remain vigilant. Everyone is at risk of getting COVID-19. It does not discriminate based on wealth, class, race, gender or religion. It can get anyone, and worse still, it has no cure. The only way forward is to protect ourselves and those we love from contracting it in the first place.
STAY HOME, STAY SAFE, STAY POSITIVE!!!
Love and light,
RVIBS.
