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Coronavirus: How To Stay Safe

Monday, March 9th, 2020
What is coronavirus?

According to the WHO, coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). These viruses were originally transmitted between animals and people. SARS, for instance, was transmitted from civet cats to humans while MERS moved to humans from a type of camel. Coronaviruses are zoonotic diseases, meaning they spread from animals to humans.

The novel coronavirus, identified by Chinese authorities on January 7 and since named COVID-19, is a new strain that had not been previously identified in humans. It is said this virus originated from a seafood market in Wuhan where wildlife was also traded illegally.

As of now, a vaccine has not been formulated for the novel coronavirus. Coronavirus started in China and has affected many people worldwide. It has 106,490 cases to date and has caused 3600 deaths. As per the last record, 39 cases of coronavirus have been reported in India.

What are the symptoms?

According to the WHO, signs of infection include fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, multiple organ failure, and even death. Current estimates of the incubation period – the amount of time between infection and the onset of symptoms – ranging from one to 14 days. Most infected people show symptoms within five to six days. However, infected patients can also be asymptomatic, meaning they do not display any symptoms despite having the virus in their systems. The elderly, especially those with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease, may be severely affected by the new virus.

How does the coronavirus spread?

1. Person-to-person spread


  • Respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

2. Spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects


Coronavirus: Preventive measures

Here are a few important tips to protect yourself and others from coronavirus:

  • Wash your hands: wet your hands with clean, running water and apply soap. Lather your hands, including the backs, between your fingers, and under your nails and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Rinse.
  • Maintain high hand hygiene, avoid touching things around when at public places.
  • Avoid going to crowded areas. Avoid touching your eyes nose and mouth.
  • Avoid handshakes and hugs, greet people with a “Namaste”.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the bin and wash your hands. If you do not have a tissue to hand, cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than your hands. Stay home if you are sick.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Maintain at least three feet distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaner.
  • Face masks offer some protection as they block liquid droplets. However, they do not block smaller aerosol particles that can pass through the material of the mask. The masks also leave the eyes exposed and there is evidence that some viruses can infect a person through the eyes.
  • If visiting live markets in affected areas avoid direct, unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces that have been in contact with animals.
Face mask

There are many misconceptions regarding the use of a face mask. Here is when you must use a face mask:

  • If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with the suspected 2019-nCoV infection.
  • Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.

How to put on, use, take off and dispose of a mask:


As the coronavirus outbreaks continues, lets us take the necessary precautions to stay safe. Be responsible while sharing information regarding coronavirus and do not believe in rumours shared from unknown sources. Please note coronavirus is currently being tested only at Government approved hospitals in India. You can dial 011-23978046 for the 24X7 control room or email to for further details.