Most of us who are fond of travelling have been bitten by the travel bug at one point in time or another; we often throw caution to the wind, pack our bags and take off to our dream destinations.
However, these days a different kind of bug, or virus, as it were, is doing the rounds, from which one would need to protect themselves – it’s called the coronavirus. Its outbreak since Dec 2019 has swept the world into a frenzy, with not just travellers all over the world shelving their holiday plans but most major bourses taking a huge dip as well.
Coronavirus has been declared a public health emergency of international concern and it is slowly spreading across the globe with many nationals of many countries already affected. India has stopped issuing visas until 15 April as a result of this while similar caution is being exercised by the consulates of other countries.
Here are a few important facts that you should know about the coronavirus which could help contain the spread of the disease while also keep you and your family safe.
(1) Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.
(2) Standard recommendations to prevent infection from spreading include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking your food before consuming it.
(3) Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
(4) If you have been in close contact with anyone having the above-mentioned symptoms, or have any of those yourself, then you are advised to consult a doctor and seek medical advice at the earliest.
(5) A person who has been released from isolation or quarantine does not pose a risk of infection to other people.
(6) The Wolrd Health Organisation’s emergencies handling team has put together an online course that you can access here, by clicking on the link.
(7) If you are sick, stay at home and take leave from work.
(8) Older people and people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and lung diseases are at higher risk of getting sick from coronavirus.
For more information on travel, symptoms, prevention, cure, etc., please click here.
