WHO provides guidance on preventing the new coronavirus: Pay attention to precautions even when cooking and shopping.

Given the escalating situation of the pneumonia outbreak caused by nCoV in China, the World Health Organization has issued a list of recommendations on how to protect yourself and your family, including in the kitchen.

Ways to reduce the risk of contracting the new coronavirus.

1. Use antibacterial soap or hand sanitizer to wash your hands frequently.
2. When sneezing or coughing, use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose.
3. Avoid close contact with people who have the flu or similar flu-like symptoms.
4. Cook the meat or eggs thoroughly.
5. Avoid contact with wild animals or pets without protective equipment.

To prevent yourself and your loved ones from getting sick, you need to WASH YOUR HANDS.

When SHOULD you wash your hands?

1. After coughing or sneezing.
2. When caring for a sick person.
3. Before, during, and after food preparation.
4. Before eating.
5. After using the toilet.
6. When your hands are dirty.
7. Handling animals or after processing animal waste.
8. When your hands are dirty, you should use soap and wash them thoroughly under running water.
9. If your hands aren't too dirty, you can wash them with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Protect yourself.

• Avoid contact with sick individuals without protective equipment (including spitting, contact with mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and eyes).
• Avoid contact with wild animals and domestic animals.

Preventing others

• When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue, face mask, or your elbow to completely cover your mouth and nose.
• Dispose of used tissues in a trash can with a lid.
• After coughing or sneezing, wash your hands with soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Pay attention to food safety issues.

• Use separate knives and cutting boards for raw and cooked food.
• Handwashing is necessary between handling raw and cooked food.
• In areas affected by outbreaks, food that is thoroughly cooked is still safe to consume.

When going to the fresh food market

• Health can be protected through the following methods.
• Wash your hands with soap after contact with animals or animal meat.
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose with your hands.
• Do not touch or come into contact with sick animals or meat from sick animals.
• Avoid contact with stray animals or wastewater at the market.

People who work at the live animal market.

Take the following health protection measures:

• Wash your hands with soap immediately after contact with live animals or animal meat.
• Tools should be disinfected daily.
• When handling animal meat, protective clothing, gloves, and a mask should be worn.
• After work/before going home, protective gear should be removed for cleaning and left at the workplace.
• Do not allow family members to come into contact with protective gear and shoes until they have been thoroughly cleaned.

*According to Health/Sohu, World Health Organization (WHO)

Source: Ministry of Health

Author: Pham Phan - Date written: February 11, 2020

Category: Student life, News - Events

Tags: Coronavirus prevention