top of page

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

The Coronavirus Disease or COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory illness that could cause an individual’s lungs to become inflamed, which could then lead to pneumonia. It transfers from one person to another through the respiratory droplets of an infected person. These include coughing, sneezing, breathing, and even singing. The droplets could then linger in the air or stick on a surface for a certain amount of time. If an individual makes contact with a  contaminated surface and then proceeds to touch their eyes, nose, or mouth, the virus would be able to transfer to their respiratory system.

Symptoms

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

​

  • Fever or chills

  • Cough

  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

  • Fatigue

  • Muscle or body aches

  • Headache

  • New loss of taste or smell

  • Sore throat

  • Congestion or runny nose

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Diarrhea

​

This list does not include all possible symptoms.

​

​

Source: Symptoms of coronavirus. (n.d.). Retrieved May 10, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

Man with Clipboard
Covid-19 Screening

What you should do

  • Maintain at least a 1-meter distance between yourself and others to reduce your risk of infection when they cough, sneeze or speak. Maintain an even greater distance between yourself and others when indoors. The further away, the better.

  • Make wearing a mask a normal part of being around other people. The appropriate use, storage and cleaning or disposal are essential to make masks as effective as possible.

  • Avoid the 3Cs: spaces that are closed, crowded or involve close contact.

    • ​The risks of getting COVID-19 are higher in crowded and inadequately ventilated spaces where infected people spend long periods of time together in close proximity. These environments are where the virus appears to spread by respiratory droplets or aerosols more efficiently, so taking precautions is even more important.

  • Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. This eliminates germs including viruses that may be on your hands.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and infect you.

  • Know the full range of symptoms of COVID-19.

  • If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately. Call by telephone first, if you can and follow the directions of your local health authority.

​

Source: Advice for the public On covid-19. (n.d.). Retrieved May 10, 2021, from https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public#:~:text=%E2%80%A2%20Stay%20home%20and%20self,to%20avoid%20infecting%20others.

bottom of page