Published on Thursday, 5 March 2020 at 12:00:00 AM
Community members are being asked to undertake some simple steps to assist in preventing the spread of illnesses.
As the threat from the coronavirus grows, it is essential that we maintain proper personal hygiene to protect against infections. This includes:
- washing your hands often with soap and water
- using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap and water is unavailable.
- limiting the touching of your hands to your mouth, nose and eyes.
- covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze
- avoiding close contact with others, such as touching, handshaking and handholding etc.
Coronavirus spreads by droplets from breathing, coughing and sneezing. As our hands touch many surfaces, they can pick up microbes, including viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Surgical masks in the community are only helpful in preventing people who have coronavirus disease from spreading it to others. It is recommended to maintain at least one metre distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing, or displays influenza type symptoms.
Symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Some people will recover easily, and others may get very sick very quickly. People with coronavirus may experience fever, flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and fatigue, and shortness of breath.
If you become unwell and think you may have symptoms of coronavirus, stay home and seek medical attention.
Call ahead of time to book an appointment. Tell your doctor about your symptoms, travel history and any recent close contact with someone who has coronavirus.
If you must leave home to see your doctor, wear a surgical mask (if you have one) help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
If you have been overseas recently and travelled through a high or moderate risk country, we recommend you check with your employer about their return to work policy.
The Australian Department of Health are actively monitoring the outbreak and updates are available from www.health.gov.au.
For media information contact:
Alison Lennon - Manager Media and Communications, Shire of Ashburton
M: 0409 314 140 | E: [email protected]
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