What is the Disease?

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus, first identified in a cluster with pneumonia symptoms in Wuhan city, Hubei province of China. Most of the cases were epidemiologically linked to the seafood and animal market.

How is the virus transmitted?

• Novel Coronavirus strains are spread from person to person through contaminated droplets from a person who is sick with the illness (through coughing or sneezing) or contaminated hands.
• The virus can spread through touching an infected surface.
• The incubation period extends from 1 to 14 days (that means the amount of time from being exposed to the virus to showing symptoms)

How to greet people while having respiratory symptoms such as a cough and a cold?

• Avoid shaking hands and just wave.
• Avoid nose-to-nose greeting.
• Avoid hugging or kissing others.

If you intend to travel to areas affected by Novel coronavirus:

• Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues.
• Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).

Note: Avoid traveling abroad due to the spread of COVID-19 in multiple countries, except if it is an extreme necessity.