Covid-19 corona virus

COVID-19 Corona Virus : COVID-19 that is widely known as the Coronavirus is a new infectious disease caused by the coronavirus. Covid-19 first broke out in December 2019 in the China province of Wuhan. Coronaviruses are a very large family of viruses that cause illnesses to both humans and animals. Many of the coronaviruses cause respiratory infections right from a simple common cold to very severe illnesses, for example, the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) that have occurred in recent pasts. The recently discovered coronavirus causes the now deadly Coronavirus disease, COVID-19 that has seen about 4,023 deaths worldwide as of March 10th, 2020. Wuhan province is the epicenter of the outbreak and it is China that has the highest rate of death at about 3139 people. Italy, Iran, South Korea, France and a number of other countries mostly in Asia have reported cases of infections. In Africa, cases have been reported Egypt, Algeria, South Africa, Senegal, Cameroon, Morocco, Nigeria, Tunisia and Togo only.

Signs and symptoms of covid-19 coronavirus

Fever
Tiredness
Dry cough, sore throat
Nasal congestion, running nose
Difficulty in breathing
Diarrhea

These signs and symptoms begin mildly and grow gradually. A person may have the virus for 14 days without showing any signs or symptoms. Whereas the virus is not discriminatory in age, older persons more so with underlying illnesses like high blood pressure are more prone to developing the disease. If you feel or have any of the above-listed signs and symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

How does covid-19 spread?

Covid-19 spreads from person to person mostly between persons that are in close contact with each other say within 6feet and one is infected.
The virus also spreads through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person with the virus coughs or sneezes.
It is possible to have the coronavirus spread from contact with corona virus-contaminated surfaces or objects and then using those very unwashed hands to touch one’s mouth, nose, and eyes.

Protection measures against the spread of covid-19

With the rampant and ever-growing cases of infections of the covid-19 coronavirus, it is prudent that we all take precautionary measures to contain the spread of covid-19. Below are some of them;

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with alcohol-based sanitizers or wash them thoroughly and constantly with clean water and soap. This kills germs and definitely the virus that may have gotten on your hands
Keep away from crowded places and maintain a 1-meter distance with persons that are coughing or sneezing. It is the small respiratory droplets from one’s breath, sneeze or cough which maybe containing the coronavirus that can get you infected you as well. Stay well away from them is crucial.
Do not touch your eyes, mouth or nose. Your hands may be carrying the coronavirus that you may have picked from contaminated surfaces or objects and touching your face would mean you transmitting the virus to yourself thus getting infected.
Follow good respiratory hygiene by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Make sure to correctly dispose of the tissue, immediately.
If you are sick, wear a facemask when you are around people. this is to protect them from getting infected.
Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces and objects like doorknobs, light switches, phones, sinks, and many others. do so with strong disinfectants or those with alcohol in it.
If you are sick, stay home and call or get in touch with medical personnel who will advise you on which h procedures to follow and to which health center you should go to or be picked up from home and be taken for further treatment.
Self-isolate for about 14 days if you are from an area or country that has the corona virus. This is to make sure you do not transmit the disease if you do have it.

The tourism industry is by far the hardest hit by the covid-19 outbreak that has seen travel bans and restrictions put up worldwide, leaving people stranded with grounded flights. This has caused a number of people to panic and fear to travel with intentions of cancellations. Significant declines in tourist arrivals this year is sure to be recorded with Asia and the Pacific region being the most affected. Travelers are being encouraged by their respective governments to avoid any unessential travel for their own safety. If the situation is contained soon though, things might change for the better.