The World Health Organisation has at last advised the public to prepare for an epidemic in which the virus rapidly spreads to many people within a short window of time.
Coronavirus – we don’t have time to sit around and wonder if anything might happen, it is going to happen!
Now is the time for businesses of every single description and the general public to get prepared.
With no vaccine or treatment available to combat these infections, everyone must be prepared to take other precautions to protect themselves, family and communities from the virus, it is the only defence that we have.
Prevention of this new virus can be difficult because:
But what can we do, personally, to prepare for an impending viral outbreak?
Evidence suggests that disinfectants such as SaniGuard or IC Solutions 1% hydrogen peroxide spray can “efficiently” inactivate coronaviruses within a minute, though it’s not yet known how the new coronavirus reacts to these products, we are pretty confident (99.9%) that they will be effective.
Read more about Saniguard Sprays and more on Saniguard Room Foggers.
Be prepared to stay home
Talk with your employer about what the company’s work-from-home and sick leave policy are, remote working should be considered says Rosemary O’Shaughnessy who is a full-time remote worker.
Schools may be closed in your area during an outbreak. Ask your child’s school, local school board or health department about how much advance notice there might be preceding a closure. Plan for how you will handle childcare if schools and day care centres are closed.
Large group gatherings may be cancelled, including concerts, religious services and public events.
Keep up with your areas local announcements to find out about those cancellations.
If you or someone in your household regularly takes prescription drugs, it may be wise to ask your doctor about procuring an emergency supply.
Make a plan for how to care for those at greater risk of serious illness and hospitalisation, such as those over 65 years old and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Also, have a backup plan for who will care for your dependents if you become ill.
Make sure you have reasonable amounts of groceries (stock up that freezer) and other basic household necessities, such as laundry detergent & don’t forget the pet food!
However, it’s a balance: On the one hand, your chance of exposure will be minimal if you stay home, but if the cost of that is empty shelves in the pantry and having nothing available generally, that’s a problem.
Check in with your neighbours and loved ones
Talk with your neighbours to check on their health status and see how you can help each other if one of you is home sick or caring for others.
Share the newest information from local health authorities, and make sure others are up to date.
This is where the internet social groups come into their own
What to do if you or a household member has symptoms of COVID-19
If you are experiencing high fever, weakness, lethargy, or shortness of breath or have underlying conditions, you should seek medical attention call the healthcare emergency numbers but do not on any account attempt to visit a doctor or hospital… If you do have the virus, you will be spreading it!
The older you are, the greater the need to be aware of your daily health situation. Infants should also be observed for a fever or are breathing rapidly, again if you suspect anything do not travel to hospital or doctor, call and seek advice.
Most likely you may be asked to voluntarily quarantine yourself at home to prevent the possible spread of the infection to others.
What to do if you are healthy, but have to go outside in an affected area?
Wearing a standard medical mask can’t protect you from COVID-19, as they are not designed to lock out viral particles, however, if you suspect you may have been exposed to the virus, you might consider wearing a mask as a courtesy to others.
In crowded spaces, creating distance between yourself and others can help reduce your risk of person-to-person infection, officials recommend standing at least a metre away from nearby persons, but if an epidemic proves more severe, the recommended distance may be increased. Remember the simple rule, AVOID SITUATIONS if at all possible!
Thanks to Oliver Canty for sharing this article with Hospital Hub. Oliver is CEO at IC Solutions 24/7 Limited who are international specialists in decontamination, whole room disinfection and mould remediation products & services, serving clients across a range of sectors from Acute Healthcare to Zoological Establishments (A to Z)!
You can find out more by visiting their website, emailing Oliver Canty or calling 02476 34 77 22.
