New Delhi: With two new cases of COVID-19 being confirmed in India — a case each in Delhi and Telangana — the health ministry has stepped up efforts to check the spread of the coronavirus in the country.
Doctors said the condition of the patients, who have been quarantined, are stable. India had earlier reported three cases of coronavirus infections. These patients have since recovered.
As safety becomes paramount given how rapidly the virus has spread, here are a few things to follow:
To do
- Wash your hands regularly with soap, especially if you have been in a public place. Experts suggest that one should spend at least 20 seconds — or the time it takes to sing Happy birthday twice — to clean the back of one’s hands, the space between one’s fingers and underneath the fingernails.
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed hands.
- Wear a specialised face mask — the N95 respirators are fitted to a person’s face to keep out any viral particles.
- Cover your cough with disposable tissues and discard them immediately after use.
- Seek medical advice if you are sick. Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory diseases — such as fever, cough and shortness of breath.
What not do
- Avoid sharing utensils, water bottles, and personal hygiene items like towels.
- Keep your non-essential travel plans to the minimum and avoid attending large public events.
- Refrain from spreading unscientific misinformation about possible ways to prevent or treat coronavirus.
- Do not stockpile disposable face masks. Such masks need to be worn only by those who are suspected of have an infection.
- Stay away from people who are sick or show symptoms such as coughing or fever.
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