Today, COVID-19 spread globally across the globe. It migrate from a country to another and the number of infected patients increase each day. COVID-19 stands for coronavirus disease. The infectious disease caused by a new virus that had not been identified in humans.
The first outbreak detected in Wuhan, China that caused respiratory illness with symptoms including cough, fever and also severe pneumonia (infection in lungs). It can cause mortality to the infected patients especially the elderly due to low immunity. Is there any cure for the disease? As for now, there is no cure.
The virus can rapidly spread through the contact with the infected person when they cough or sneeze. The particles travel through the droplets discharge from the nose and mouth. Just imagine, a single cough can produce up to 3000 droplets. That is the importance of covering your mouth while coughing.
How long the particles can remain viable and infectious on surface? Based on current study, when the particles landed on other people, surfaces or clothings around them for days. Meanwhile, in the air in the form of droplets, it can remains for hours.The highly contagious novel coronavirus declared as the global pandemic.
Some people thought that touching a surface or object with the virus and then touching the face is not a big deal. They thought it is not the primary way for the virus to spread. But, individual effort to combat the virus is more significant compared to the government. Everything starts with ourselves.
Here are some precautions that should be taken seriously as an individual in order to help flatten the curve. The World Health Organisation and other health authorities emphasised that by washing both hands are one of the key effort in preventing COVID-19 from spreading.
It is advised for everyone to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and do it frequently when you get home or at work. It is also very essential to avoid touching your face especially the nose’s area. Apart from that, by cleaning and sanitising the frequently touched surfaces such as handphone, keyboard, mouse and door rail can help in minimising the risk.
This is one of the most crucial precautions that most people took for granted. When you are coughing or sneezing, use a tissue and then directly throw it into the bin. Besides that, use the right etiquette when coughing and sneezing. Use the crook of your elbow to cover your mouth and nose. Avoid using your palm of the hand.
Next, you need to avoid from having any close contact with people that showing symptoms. Do practice social distancing by having a 1-2 meter distance from people around you. Avoid participating in mass gathering or go to crowded places like shopping malls and parks.
As in Malaysia, the number of the infected patients spike rapidly and two deaths reported on March 17, 2020. The Government of Malaysia implemented the movement control for the whole country to control the infected numbers. It reinforced the people to stay indoor for two weeks from May 18, 2020 to May 31, 2020.
During the movement control, all people need to cooperate by avoiding any mass gathering or travelling to other places. Just stay indoor and just go out when necessary. If everyone abide by the instruction, we can help flatten the curve and minimising the risk of be infected.
Stay safe, practice self-hygiene and follow the guidance provided by the authority. Let’s be considerate and do not be selfish during this crucial time. Let’s unite together regardless of races, religions and beliefs in combatting the pandemic. We can save many lives by little steps taken individually.
