There are a lot of uncertainties and confusion around this coronavirus. The COVID-19 is now a global pandemic. While we should maintain calm and avoid spreading unnecessary panic, we also need to be properly informed and be socially responsible for our actions.
Fact #1: The virus can infect anyone.
People who are young and strong can also be infected, but they may show milder symptoms and not seek medical treatment. However, if they do no practice social distancing or quarantine themselves after being exposed to coronavirus risks, they can infect people with weaker immune systems.
Fact #2: Wearing a surgical mask does not protect you from the virus.
The surgical mask is designed to prevent the wearer from passing on germs to others. You can still breath in airborne viral particles through the sides of the mask that does not fit tightly around your nose and cheeks. A more effective mask is the N95 mask, which is uncomfortable to wear and difficult to breath in. The most effective prevention method now is to wash your hands often, and keep a physical distance from other people.
Fact #3: You do not have to show symptoms to be infected and contagious.
The COVID-19 has be observed to have an incubation period of 2 to 14 days. Meanwhile asymptomatic people are still contagious. This means that you can be infected with the virus but not show any symptoms yet, and still spread the virus to people you come into contact with.
Fact #4: Social distancing is the most effective measure to curb virus spread
The longer we take to implement critical changes to curb the virus spread, the more severe the long term impact on our lives will be. The responsible and sensible thing to do now is to minimize all social activities and keep a physical distance from other people outside of our immediate family. While it can be inconvenient and uncomfortable temporarily, it is the most effective measure we can take now to slow down the virus spread.
Minimize all non-essential travel and interactions with people outside of your family. Practice social distancing. Stay home and video-consult a doctor using the Doctor Anywhere app if you are showing any signs of cough, flu, fever, or difficulty breathing. We are all in this together. Let's stay united to overcome this critical time!
Source: Doctor Anywhere