Lockdown may have eased up… but the virus hasn’t eased up
12 August 2020
12 August 2020
Lockdown may have eased up… but the virus hasn’t eased up
COVID-19 is a highly contagious and deadly disease.
From the first outbreak in Wuhan, China, back in November 2019 to the present day, we are still witnessing new cases of infections every day, and record-breaking numbers of deaths.
As of August 12, 2020, the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) had spread to six continents, and approximately 746,000 people have died after contracting the respiratory virus. Over 35,000 of these deaths occurred in Italy.
The top 5 countries where mortality rates are highest:
- USA – 167,749
- Brazil – 103,099
- Mexico – 53,929
- UK – 46,628
- India – 46,216
Source: Statista
Lockdowns have loosened, but the crisis is not over
Approximately 215 countries and territories worldwide have been affected by the COVID-19 disease. The risk of infection remains serious if you are in an area where there are confirmed cases. Many countries around the world have started to relax travel restrictions, but if you have recently visited a high-risk area or been in close contact with someone with the virus, you should seek medical advice and stay away from public places.
What are the symptoms of the virus?
It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of the illness to start being noticed. The most commonly reported symptoms are a fever and a dry cough, leading to shortness of breath. The early symptoms are similar to other viruses common at this time of year, such as the common cold and flu – these illnesses spread more during cold months, but it is not yet known whether or not temperature impacts the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Once again, medical advice should be sought if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
3 ways to stay safe…
Even though lockdown has eased in areas, you still need to keep yourself and others around you safe to prevent further spread of COVID-19.
- Stay 2m away from other people (if not possible, keep 1m+ with other mitigating measures such as a face covering and good hand hygiene)
- Wear a face covering, if you can
- Wash your hands regularly/use hand sanitiser
- If you have symptoms, stay at home and book a test
Please continue to stay alert and follow the latest advice.
Face coverings help against the spread of infection. That is why it is so important that everyone who is not exempt wears a mask while in an enclosed space.
- Cover your nose and mouth
- Don’t touch the front of it
- Wash your hands before & after putting it on or taking it off
- Wash the face covering regularly
The Government has published a list of places where you must wear a face covering:
- Public transport and transport hubs
- Shops and supermarkets, and shopping centres
- Auction houses
- Premises providing professional, legal or financial services such as post offices and banks
- Premises providing personal care and beauty treatments
- Premises providing veterinary services
- Visitor attractions and entertainment venues such as museums, cinemas, and theatres
- Libraries and public reading rooms
- Places of worship
- Funeral service providers
- Community centres, youth centres and social clubs
- Public areas in hotels and hostels
You should also wear a face covering in indoor places not listed here where social distancing may be difficult and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
If you are using a single-use disposable face covering, please dispose of it responsibly in your general waste bin or in a litter bin. If there is no litter bin nearby, please take it home with you and put it in your bin at home.
You can see the full list, further advice on how to wear a face covering safely, and any exemptions where people do not need to wear one on the Government website.
Stay safe and well everyone.
Uchechi
Illustration by: Jamiel Law