Covid 19

General Information

Covid19 is part of a group of viruses called Coronaviruses. It is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While most human Coronaviruses only cause mild to moderate flu-like respiratory illnesses in humans, symptoms of more recent coronaviruses like Covid 19, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV can cause fatality.   

You can get the virus

  • If an infected person near you sneezes, coughs or speaks without covering his or her mouth and nose. The virus is carried through the air in tiny droplets which can enter your nose, mouth and eyes.
  • If you touch a surface that an infected person has touched or sneezed and/or coughed on, and then touch your eyes, mouth or nose.
  • Through physical contact with an infected person such as shaking hands. There is high risk of both large-scale air and physical transmission in crowded place, especially if these place are not well ventilated.

The symptoms are similar that of influenza and include, but are not restricted to:

Common symptoms

  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Fever or chills
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle aches

Severe symptoms

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea or vomiting

You can protect yourself and others by:

  • Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; always use a disposable tissue or the inside of your elbow
  • washing your hands with soap and running water or using an alcohol base hand sanitizer
  • not touching your eyes, mouth or nose unless you have washed or disinfected your hands
  • keeping two metres distance between you and others if possible
  • avoiding large gatherings
  • cleaning all surfaces regularly with soap and water or disinfectant
  • avoiding all forms of physical contact with an infected person and people outside your immediate family
  • Wearing a protective face mask when you visit public places or caring for an infected person
  • If possible, stay at home, especially if are sick or feel sick
  • If you are hypertensive or have heart disease, lung disease or are diabetic, take added precautions