COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus. \u2018CO\u2019 stands for corona, \u2018VI\u2019 for virus, and \u2018D\u2019 for disease. The COVID-19<\/a> virus is a new virus linked to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and some types of common cold.<\/p>\n Symptoms can include mainly: Fever, cough and shortness of breath In more severe cases, infection can cause: Pneumonia<\/a> or breathing difficulties<\/p>\n The virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated through coughing and sneezing). Individuals can also be infected from and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and touching their face (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth).<\/p>\n When a person infected with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or talks, they produce respiratory droplets that can travel about two metres and can land in the mouths or noses of those nearby, infecting others with the virus. COVID-19 can also be spread by people who don\u2019t know they have the virus since they aren\u2019t experiencing any symptoms. Because of this, wearing masks can help slow the spread of the virus.<\/p>\n It is very important that cloth masks are used correctly. Incorrect use might result in users putting themselves at risk of spreading Covid-19.<\/p>\n To eliminate all traces of the virus on your hands, a quick scrub and a rinse won\u2019t cut it. Below is a step-by-step process for effective handwashing:<\/p>\n Step 1: Wet hands with running water<\/p>\n Step 2: Apply enough soap to cover wet hands<\/p>\n Step 3: Scrub all surfaces of the hands \u2013 including back of hands, between fingers and under nails \u2013 for at least 20 seconds.<\/p>\n Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with running water Step 5: Dry hands with a clean cloth or single-use towel<\/p>\n COVID-19 can spread through coughing, sneezing and close contact. By minimizing the amount of close contact we have with others, we reduce our chances of catching the virus and spreading it to our loved ones and within our community. This is why we should remain at least 1.5 metres<\/a> away from other people.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"What are the symptoms of COVID-19?<\/h3>\n
How does COVID-19 spread?<\/h3>\n
Why should I wear a mask?<\/h3>\n
EIGHT steps to using your face mask correctly<\/h3>\n
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How do I keep my hands clean?<\/h3>\n
What must I keep a distance between other people?<\/h3>\n