Coronavirus Updates

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the disease caused by the novel coronaviruses, COVID 19, a PANDEMIC. This means the virus has spread throughout the world and most people are susceptible because they do not have immunity. In order for us to appreciate what is happening, this pamphlet is providing basic information about the behaviour of viruses and then will recommend ways in which we can help to stop the spread of COVID 19 across communities. Specific suggestions are provided for the home, office, funerals, board meetings, church, and the mosque.

More information about the world of viruses

How then do we stop the spread of COVID 19?

Things to remember!

  1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
  2. Use alcohol-based sanitizer frequently when there is no water and soap around
  3. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with tissue or a flexed elbow
  4. Dispose of that tissue into a bin and wash hands afterwards
  5. STAY at home if you are sick with cough, cold, running nose, difficulty breathing with a rise in temperature – CALL any of the hotlines provided by the Ministry of Health (Seek medical care)
  6. Avoid anyone or keep a good distance anyone who has the above symptoms
  7. Limit your travels both within and without the country – unless absolutely necessary (remember that international bans may exist)
  8. Avoid shaking hands
  9. Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, mouth, ears
  10. Frequently disinfect surfaces that people frequently come into contact with

 

Additional Tips for specific places

Board Meetings
  • Meet in rooms with natural and good ventilation as much as possible
Church
  • Avoid practices that involve waving handkerchiefs
  • If possible, suspend giving communion
  • No shaking of hands, use other methods to acknowledge each other
At Work
  • All offices should place alcoholic sanitizers at their main entrances
  • All workers and visitors must use it before touch door handles
The Home
  • Keep a bottle of alcohol-based sanitizer at the door
  • Use the sanitizer before entering the house
  • Go to the washroom immediately and wash your hands immediately
  • Keep a bottle of sanitizer in your car and make sure your offer anyone who sits in a few drops to use
  • Call the emergency numbers if anyone is sick with symptoms that suggest COVID 19
  • Treat that person with care but apply all rules as described above to prevent anyone else falling sick
  • Make sure that there is a lot of ventilation where the sick person is till the healthcare professionals come for him or her
  • Clean all surfaces in the room where the person was isolated briefly
  • Keep yourselves at home for two weeks if COVID 19 is confirmed