Coronavirus is in Delhi. Here’s what you can do to ensure that you stay safe

The threat of the dreaded coronavirus has become all the more real with the Indian Government confirming on Monday that two people have tested positive in India–one from New Delhi and the other in Telangana.

In fact, India now has five confirmed cases of COVID-19. The government is urging people not to panic and is asking them to visit a doctor or call the helpline (011/2397-8046) if they spot any of the symptoms of the virus.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has also asked Indians to avoid non-essential travel to Iran, Italy, China, Korea, and Singapore and take precautions when it comes to personal hygiene. 

Worried that coronavirus is going to get you?
Well, instead of giving into panic and fear, take necessary steps to prevent an infection. Here are a few to start with:

Wash hands frequently
Clean your paws with alcohol-based sanitizers and then with soap and water–as this kills all the germs on your hands

Maintain social distance
Maintain at least a three-feet distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing. This is because when someone coughs or sneezes, they contain small liquid droplets which may contain the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets that may include the COVID-19 virus.

Don’t touch your eyes, mouth, and nose
Hands touch multiple surfaces that can pick up the viruses. Once contaminated, they can transfer the dreaded virus to your eyes, nose, or mouth–from where it can spread across the body.

Respiratory hygiene
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and then dispose of it. 

Also, watch:

Seek medical care if you have a fever, cough, and face difficulty breathing. Stay indoors and follow directions of local medical authorities.

What is your risk of coronavirus?
Being in the proximity of someone who is showing exhibiting symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing is not a concern as long as you are not in close contact with them.

Since, it can take anywhere between three to 27 days to show symptoms, the risk that COVID-19 poses is quite high. So it’s better safe than sorry