Source: World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department of Health
The novel coronavirus (nCoV), believed to have emerged from illegally-traded wildlife at a seafood market in Wuhan, is a new strain of Cornavirus (CoV) that causes illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. There are already more than 20,000 confirmed cases with more than 400 people known to have died from the virus.
Droplets of saliva and mucus from sneezing and coughing can transfer the virus from one person to another. It’s currently unclear if a healthy person can get 2019-nCoV by touching a surface or an object previously touched by an infected person.
A Safety Reminder: DO NOT touch your mouth, nose, or eyes if your hands are not thoroughly clean.
Common symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath and respiratory issues. Symptoms may appear within 1-14 days after getting infected by the virus.
If you have traveled outside Zamboanga in the last two weeks and have been exhibiting flu-like symptoms, notify the University Infirmary as soon as possible.
The use of masks inside the campus is optional. If masks are to be used, combine this with hand hygiene and other measures to prevent the human-to-human transmission of 2019-nCoV.
STAY HOME, NOTIFY the UNIVERSITY INFIRMARY, and SEEK HELP. If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home and seek medical attention. Also, notify the University Infirmary immediately, so that the infirmary personnel could monitor you closely.
WASH HANDS Wash hands with soap and water or disinfect with alcohol or hand sanitizer.
COVER/NOSE MOUTH Cover nose and mouth with tissue or flexed elbow when coughing and sneezing.
AVOID CONTACT Avoid close contact with anyone with colds or flu-like symptoms.
COOK FOOD WELL Thoroughly cook meat and eggs.
WEAR FACE MASK Wear face mask whenin crowded places.
STAY HOME, SEEK HELP If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home and seek medical treatment.
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Avoid cold or preserved food and drinks, such as ice cream and milkshakes for "at least 90 days."
The World Health Organization only advises the public to avoid consuming "raw or undercooked animal products."
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The Department of Health (DOH) advises to "keep your throat moist," avoid spicy food and "load up on vitamin C" in order to prevent the disease.
DOH advises the public to practice frequent and proper handwashing and cough etiquette, avoid unprotected contact with live farm or wild animals, ensure that food is well-cooked, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to mount up immunity
In the interest of public safety, the Ateneo reminds everyone to FOLLOW only LEGITIMATE SOURCES (WHO and DOH)that provide updates regarding the Novel Coronavirus and to REFRAIN from SHARING UNVERIFIED INFORMATION about it.