Resources
New England Journal of Medicine "Covid-19-Navigating the Uncharted." 2/28/2020. This is a great summary of the virus, its epidemiology, from medical standpoint. This is sound information from which you can develop your understanding.
What you should know, Preparedness, Situation Updates, Travel: CDC recommendations for prevention and help
Q&A on Coronaviruses (COVID-19): WHO recommendations for answers to your questions
Corona Virus Live Update Live updates and epidemiological information
Spread of virus: Map and active current updates of statistics and spread
Desktop version
Mobile version
What you should know, Preparedness, Situation Updates, Travel: CDC recommendations for prevention and help
Q&A on Coronaviruses (COVID-19): WHO recommendations for answers to your questions
Corona Virus Live Update Live updates and epidemiological information
Spread of virus: Map and active current updates of statistics and spread
Desktop version
Mobile version
Medical Facts: Morbidity, Mortality, Infectivity
Medical facts:
This virus is highly contagious, the R0 index is seven, which means that on average seven people are infected by one carrier (not 2 to 3 as was initially anticipated). South Korea has shown that at least 30% of patients are asymptomatic and will therefore be spreading the disease quite significantly before they are aware they are infected.
The disease is a category five disease which is the highest rated disease as the death rate is greater than 2%. In reality the death rate is at least 5% and Italy/Iran may well show us that the death rate is up to 15% or possibly more.
The key in controlling the epidemic at present is containment to get the R0 index down to less than one. If this is not achieved, hospitals are likely to be swamped. The key to this is social distancing; sound hand washing. (see below)
In a recent study, it has been shown that the virus can remain viable on surfaces for 9 days. In other words, it can be contracted through surfaces exposed to the virus up to 9 days after exposure. (1, 2)
This virus is highly contagious, the R0 index is seven, which means that on average seven people are infected by one carrier (not 2 to 3 as was initially anticipated). South Korea has shown that at least 30% of patients are asymptomatic and will therefore be spreading the disease quite significantly before they are aware they are infected.
The disease is a category five disease which is the highest rated disease as the death rate is greater than 2%. In reality the death rate is at least 5% and Italy/Iran may well show us that the death rate is up to 15% or possibly more.
The key in controlling the epidemic at present is containment to get the R0 index down to less than one. If this is not achieved, hospitals are likely to be swamped. The key to this is social distancing; sound hand washing. (see below)
In a recent study, it has been shown that the virus can remain viable on surfaces for 9 days. In other words, it can be contracted through surfaces exposed to the virus up to 9 days after exposure. (1, 2)
Practical Prevention
*Advise people not to shake hands
*Ask people to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds (as long as it takes to say the Lord’s prayer) and carry a small hand-held dispenser around with them.
*Keep a distance of at least 1 m for five minutes or 2 m for 10 minutes from anyone who may be infected or has been in an infected area.
*In affected or "at risk" areas, avoid large gatherings such as childcare centers, schools universities and avoid public transport.
*Work from home where ever possible. This is likely to result in a significant amount of the workforce, particularly parents, unable to go to work as they are assuming childcare duties.
*Hold gatherings such as prayer gatherings online.
*Ensure that you have sufficient medication to last you a few months and boost your immune system with protein, vitamins and minerals. Stock up on baby products and toiletries in addition to food.
*You may wish to stock up on masks/gloves/hand gel and general disinfectant wipes.
*It has been advised that only those who are symptomatic should wear masks.
*Stay healthy, get rest.
1) "Coronaviruses: How long can they survive on surfaces," Medical News Today, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/coronaviruses-how-long-can-they-survive-on-surfaces
2) G. Kampf, D. Todt. S. Pfaender, E. Steinmann; "Persistence of coronaviruses on inanimate surfaces and their inactivation with biocidal agents," Journal of Hospital Infection, March 2020, Vol 104, Issue 3; Pg 246-251.
*Ask people to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds (as long as it takes to say the Lord’s prayer) and carry a small hand-held dispenser around with them.
*Keep a distance of at least 1 m for five minutes or 2 m for 10 minutes from anyone who may be infected or has been in an infected area.
*In affected or "at risk" areas, avoid large gatherings such as childcare centers, schools universities and avoid public transport.
*Work from home where ever possible. This is likely to result in a significant amount of the workforce, particularly parents, unable to go to work as they are assuming childcare duties.
*Hold gatherings such as prayer gatherings online.
*Ensure that you have sufficient medication to last you a few months and boost your immune system with protein, vitamins and minerals. Stock up on baby products and toiletries in addition to food.
*You may wish to stock up on masks/gloves/hand gel and general disinfectant wipes.
*It has been advised that only those who are symptomatic should wear masks.
*Stay healthy, get rest.
1) "Coronaviruses: How long can they survive on surfaces," Medical News Today, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/coronaviruses-how-long-can-they-survive-on-surfaces
2) G. Kampf, D. Todt. S. Pfaender, E. Steinmann; "Persistence of coronaviruses on inanimate surfaces and their inactivation with biocidal agents," Journal of Hospital Infection, March 2020, Vol 104, Issue 3; Pg 246-251.
