Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the Weqaya website and through your local public health authority. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others.

With so many Coronavirus related health stories, myths and rumors, we all need to be aware of what is true and what’s not.

Remember to always go to a trusted source like Weqaya, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to check any stories that might come up over the next few weeks.

Myth busters

Contrary to what some posts suggest, according to WHO you can catch COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. We already saw that countries with hot weather have reported cases of COVID-19. From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather. Regardless of climate, adopt protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID-19.

Also, taking a hot bath will not prevent you from catching COVID-19. WHO has said, adding that it can actually do more harm than good. A normal body remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower. Using extremely hot water can be more harmful as it can cause burns.

The spread of the Coronavirus has brought with its widespread conspiracy theories surrounding the origin of the disease, one of the most persistent of such theories is that 5G networks, gradually being rolled out across the world, is the cause of the outbreak. WHO confirmed that 5G mobile networks DO NOT spread COVID-19. Viruses cannot travel on radio waves/mobile networks. COVID-19 is spreading in many countries that do not have 5G mobile networks.

Being able to hold your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing or feeling discomfort, well, DOES NOT mean you are free from the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) or any other lung disease.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are dry cough, tiredness and fever. WHO explained that some people may develop more severe forms of the disease, such as pneumonia. The best way to confirm if you have the virus producing COVID-19 disease is with a laboratory test. You cannot confirm it with this breathing exercise, which can even be dangerous.

Contract the coronavirus disease by touching a surface

According to WHO advices, people could catch COVID-19 by touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other Coronaviruses. Studies suggest that Coronaviruses, including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus, may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days.

There is currently no evidence to confirm or disprove that COVID-19 virus can be transmitted through coins or banknotes. However, respiratory droplets expelled from an infected person can contaminate and persist on surfaces. WHO experts suggest to wash your hands regularly and thoroughly after touching any frequently-touched surface or object, including coins or banknotes. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose, if your hands are not cleaned.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. These droplets are too heavy to hang in the air. They quickly fall on floors or surfaces. You can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within 1 metre of a person who has COVID-19, or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands.

Hand washing

Experts worldwide agree that washing hands is the best practice to prevent from catching COVID-19 and other viruses. Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water kills viruses that may be on your hands. WHO experts explain that washing hands can keep you healthy and prevent the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections from one person to the next.

The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.

Follow these CDC five steps every time: Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Hand sanitizers

If soap and water are not readily available around you, WHO affirms that you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.

CDC suggests to apply the gel product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount). Rub your hands together. Rub the gel over all the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. This should take around 20 seconds.

CAUTION! Swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning if more than a couple of mouthfuls are swallowed. Keep it out of reach of young children and supervise their use.

Face Masks

According to the latest WHO advice, face masks will make little difference if you’re just walking around town so there is no need for bulk-buy.

It is however, crucial that health and social care workers wear them, and they are also recommended for people who are caring for someone who is ill, or who has been diagnosed with the Coronavirus – ideally both the carer and patient should wear one.

Masks are only effective when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning and should always be thrown away properly into the bin whenever you remove it as they can carry germs just like a used tissue If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.

Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask. Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks.

To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

Rubber Gloves

According to WHO latest information, regularly washing your bare hands offers more protection against catching COVID 19 then wearing rubber gloves. You can still pick up COVID-19 contamination on rubber gloves. If you then touch your face, the contamination goes from your glove to your face and can infect you.

Social distancing

Latest experts’ recommendations suggest to maintain at least 2 metres (6 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. According to WHO, when someone coughs or sneezes, they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

MOHAP remember that social distancing it is not necessary for members of the same household but this rule should be followed in all other circumstances. All gatherings should not take place during the pandemic.

According to WHO, respiratory viruses can be passed by shaking hands and touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Greet people with a wave, a nod or a bow instead.

When grocery shopping, keep at least 2 metres (6 feet) distance from others. If possible, sanitize the handles of shopping trolleys or baskets before shopping. Once home, wash your hands thoroughly and also after handling and storing your purchased products. There is currently no confirmed case of COVID 19 transmitted through food or food packaging.

Quarantine and Isolation

The best explanation on the difference between quarantine and isolation is provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Close Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. Someone in self-quarantine stays separated from others, and they limit movement outside of their home or current place.

A person may have been exposed to the virus without knowing it, for example, when traveling or out in the community, or they could have the virus without feeling symptoms. Quarantine helps limit further spread of COVID-19.

Isolation is used to separate sick people from healthy people. People who are in isolation should stay home. In the home, anyone sick should separate themselves from others by staying in a specific “sick” bedroom or space and using a different bathroom if possible.

Respiratory hygiene

WHO suggests to make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

What to do if you are sick

If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, follow the steps below to care for yourself and to help protect other people in your home and community.

Stay home if you feel unwell except to get medical care. Separate yourself from other people and pets in your home. As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in your home.

Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.

If you need to be around other people or animals in or outside of the home, wear a cloth face covering.

Monitor your symptoms. Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever and cough. According to WHO, trouble breathing is a more serious symptom that means you should get medical attention. Follow care instructions from your healthcare provider and local health department.

Your local health authorities may give instructions on checking your symptoms and reporting information. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.

When to seek medical attention

WHO indicates that if you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, you should get medical attention immediately.

According to WHO, emergency warning signs include: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, bluish lips or face. This list of course is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

Cleaning

According to UNICEF, cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces in your home regularly is an important precaution to lower the risk of infection. Follow cleaning product instructions for safe and effective use, including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation.

Every home is different, but common high-touch surfaces include: Door handles, tables, chairs, handrails, kitchen and bathroom surfaces, taps, toilets, light switches, mobile phones, computers, tablets, keyboards, remote controls, game controllers and favorite toys.

If a surface is dirty, first clean it with soap or detergent and water. Then use a disinfectant product containing alcohol (of around 70 per cent) or bleach.

Vinegar and other natural products are not recommended. In many places it can be difficult to find disinfectant sprays and wipes. In such cases, continue to clean with soap and water. Diluted household bleach solutions may also be used on some surfaces.

It is currently unclear how long the COVID-19 virus can survive on fabric, but many items of clothing have plastic and metal elements on which it might live for a few hours to several days. Exercise caution and common sense when cleaning your clothes.

Good practices to consider include removing your shoes when you enter your home and changing into clean clothes. Clean bed sheets, towels and clothes regularly. Don’t shake dirty laundry to minimize the possibility of dispersing the virus through the air. Launder items with soap or detergent, using the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely — both steps help to kill the virus. Wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub, immediately afterwards. Wash or disinfect your laundry bag and hamper as well. Consider storing laundry in disposable bags.

Disinfecting

UNICEF indicates that it’s important not to wipe cleaning solutions off as soon as you’ve applied it to a surface. Many disinfectant products, such as wipes and sprays, need to stay wet on a surface for several minutes in order to be effective.

Always read the directions to make sure you’re using the products as recommended and to avoid damaging sensitive items such as mobile phones and other electronic devices. Consider using wipeable covers for electronics.

Regarding fruits and vegetables, WHO suggests to wash them the same way you would in any other circumstance. Before handling them, wash your hands with soap and water. Then, wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly with clean water, especially if you eat them raw.

Stay informed

Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.

Take the information from reliable sources and continue to visit our website for the last developments and best practices.

These advices are regularly updated based on new scientific findings as the epidemic evolves. Last updated 22 April 2020. Sources: Weqaya, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, WHO, UNICEF, MOHAP, CDC, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)