Collective action in the fight against coronavirus (COVID-2019).

By Christopher Bendana

Kampala

The virus that was first reported in Wuhan province in China in December last year has so far infected about 95,333 people in over 80 countries according to the WHO situation report of  March 5, 2020. Of these 80,565 are from China.

It has led to 3015 deaths in China and 267 outside China.

Ugandans wary of the health system to manage such pandemic need caution to prevent the spread of the virus. The Ministry of Health released these preventive measures on March 2, 2020.

1. Wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub
2. AVOID hand-shaking and hugging at all times
3. Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or a handkerchief when coughing and sneezing. Throw away the used tissue immediately into a dustbin or burn in and wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub. The handkerchief must be washed by yourself daily and ironed with a hot iron
4. Do NOT spit in public. Find a secluded place like toilets or pit latrines in which to spit in.
5. Maintain a reasonable distance between yourself and someone who is coughing or sneezing (at least 1 meter apart)
6. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Hands touch many surfaces which can be contaminated with the virus and you can transfer the virus from the surface to yourself
7. If you have fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, seek medical care immediately.
8. People with flu-like symptoms should use face masks to cover the nose and mouth and stay home in a well-ventilated room
9. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as door knobs/handles, car doors, elevator buttons etc. daily with regular household disinfectant or soap.
10. All travellers arriving from countries affected by the Coronavirus Disease should follow guidance given by health workers at the airport and other border entry points.