COVID-19 prevention: How to prevent infection by taking simple precautions

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TSB News
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A health worker, center, hand over leaflets on how people should protect themselves from the new coronavirus, in Lagos, Nigeria Tuesday, March 31, 2020 as the city faces a two-week lockdown with residents told to stay in their homes. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people, but for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

COVID-19 prevention is something every individual should know and take seriously as the number continue to rise globally and to reduce your chances of getting infected.

Here’s how to reduce chances of getting infected by COVID-19:

  1.  Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or sanitiser or wash them with soap and water. This would kill viruses that may be on your hands.
  2.  Maintain at least 2 metre (around six feet) distance between yourself and others. This is because, when someone coughs, sneezes or speaks they spray small liquid droplets (aerosols) from their nose or mouth which may contain the COVID-19 virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the virus if the person has been infected.
  3.  Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes. Your hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Thus, once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your mouth, nose or eyes from where the virus can enter your body and infect you.
  4.  Avoid going to crowded places.
  5.  If you develop symptoms such as cough, headache and mild fever, which are linked to the COVID-19 infection, stay home and self-isolate until you recover. Contact a doctor or seek formal medical advice.
  6.  Wear a face mask while leaving your house.