Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people who fall sick with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover without special treatment.

HOW IT SPREADS

The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. These droplets are too heavy to hang in the air, and quickly fall on floors or surfaces. You can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within close proximity of someone who has COVID-19, or by touching a contaminated surface and then your eyes, nose or mouth.

Symptoms include: fever coughing sore throat fatigue shortness of breath

Importance of personal hygiene measures :

• Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose and mouth)
• Wash your hands frequently
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue and then dispose of tissues and wash your hands.
• Cover your cough and sneeze into your elbow if a tissue is not available.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, including before and after eating and after going to the toilet.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces such as benchtops, desks and doorknobs.
• Clean and disinfect frequently used objects such as mobile phones, keys, wallets and work passes.
• Increase the amount of fresh air available by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning.
• If you are unwell with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and you need to self-isolate at home.

To protect others you must :

• Practice good hygiene.
• Practice social distancing.
• Follow the limits for public gatherings