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Coronavirus: What can you do?

Mar 15, 2020 Dr Zulfikar Bux, Features / Columnists

By Dr Zulfikar Bux

Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
As you should be aware, Guyana had its first case from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) a few days ago. Given the history of this disease in other countries, there is a real risk of it also spreading here.
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the facts of this disease. Today, I will focus on measures that can be taken to decrease your risk of acquiring and/or spreading it. Most of the information for today’s article was gathered from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website which gives updated information about the coronavirus.
HOW CAN THE VIRUS SPREAD?
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus, which spreads mainly from person-to-person in the following ways:
• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can live on some surfaces up to 24 hours. Contact with them during this time can lead to transmission.
• These droplets can land in the mouths, noses, or eyes of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF?
You can help decrease your risk of acquiring the virus by following these steps:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
HOW TO PREVENT SPREAD TO OTHERS?
• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. You should isolate yourself in a room away from everyone else if you are sick and do not need hospital care. Call the Ministry of Public Health hotline numbers for further advice (227-4986 or 624-3067)
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room.

HOW TO CLEAN AND DISINFECT SURFACES TO PREVENT SPREAD?
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. A safe option is using a household bleach solution.
To make a bleach solution, mix:
• 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
OR
• 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted. You can also spray surfaces with alcohol solutions that have more than 70% alcohol.
We all have an important role in ensuring we combat this disease. Take steps to prevent spread without harming or discriminating others. Avoid spreading false or unconfirmed information as it will only lead to panic. Let’s be responsible, do not participate in negativity on social media. In times like these, we all need to be positive and work together. Working against each other will only worsen our outcome.

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