COVID 19

ALL ABOUT SARS-Cov-2

SARS-Cov-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2) is the name given to the 2019 novel coronavirus. COVID-19 is the name given to the disease associated with the virus. However, many people refer to the virus as COVID.

SARS-CoV-2 is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been identified in humans before.

Coronaviruses are viruses that circulate among animals yet some have infected human beings. For example MERS-CoV, for its acronym Middle East REspiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, is transmitted to humans from camels, and SARS-CoV-1, Severe Accute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-1, is transmitted to human beings from civet cats.

The five coronaviruses types which affect humans are alpha (229E and NL63), beta (OC43), HKUI1 and SARS-CoV - although the latter is best considered an animal virus that has only rarely infected humans.

In humans, the transmission of coronaviruses between an infected individual and others can occur via respiratory secretions. This can happen either directly through droplets from coughing or sneezing, or indirectly through touching contaminated objects or surfaces as well as close contact, such as touching or shaking hands.

HOW TO PREVENT THE VIRUS

Clean your hands often  

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  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 exposure

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home as much as possible.
• Keep a distance of about six feet from other people. (Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus).
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
• Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public.

Cover coughs and sneezes

• 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.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% or 70% alcohol.

Clean and disinfect

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. (This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks).