Extra: Let’s talk about this Coronavirus

My people, how una dey?

As much as we revel in the beauty, strength, and ingenuity of Africa and Africans, there is a need to stay healthy to be all of this.

Most of us are aware of the trending Public Health concern that began in China some days back and is fast becoming a pandemic across the world – the Coronavirus

What is actually Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, the viruses cause respiratory infections which are typically mild including the common cold but rarer forms like SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) can be lethal.

Currently, the deadly coronavirus is now in 15 countries: China, United States, France, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, Nepal, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Canada. With over 1000 people infected and 43 dead, there is a need for urgent public health action.

We may be glad it’s not yet in any African country but let’s not jubilate yet. Prevention, as we know, is better than cure

Here is what you can do to stay safe:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Where soap and water is unavailable, use an alcohol hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• When you cough or sneeze, cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, if a tissue is not readily available, sneeze into your elbow.
•  Ensure your meat is cooked thoroughly before consuming it.
• Avoid unnecessary contact with animals and if you do, wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces like doorknobs, tables, chairs etc
• Lastly, typically Coronavirus causes respiratory symptoms and it is spread through coughing, sneezing and touching of infected surfaces, please do your best to avoid this as much as possible.
• The rumors that wearing face mask can stop the virus is untrue, this is a fallacy confirmed to be untrue by checkingfact.com

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of Coronavirus and keep you healthy.

Currently, there are no vaccines or antiviral drugs that are approved for the prevention or treatment of Coronavirus, so I plead with you, practice these healthy tips shared and encourage others to do so. The goal is to have healthier African communities. Let’s do this.