Corona Virus Advisory for RBD Community
The corona virus has been declared as a pandemic by the WHO. This means that, unless heightened precautions are taken, it is quite likely that tens or even hundreds of thousands of Indians will contract the disease (mortality between 0.5 and 3%) unless war like measures are implemented. We are lucky to live in a gated community within which we can self-impose certain disciplines that will help us control the spread in our community. We have to be particularly careful since there are a large number of senior citizens who live amongsts us who are particulary susceptible to severe complications of the illness. Please read this and follow strictly.
1. Anyone with flu/cold symptoms (fever, cough, body ache) should quarantine themselves (for +7 days after symptoms have disappeared) in their home (ideally in a single room) and keep a distance from others (including family members; household help) while practising the Corona 5 (see below for what this is). If your household help shows symptoms please give them paid off for a similar period
2. Anyone returning from countries where the spread of the illness is widespread (S Korea, China, Iran, Italy, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam) should similarly quarantine themselves for 14 days
3. During quarantine, a person with an active illness should wear a mask and should wipe down surfaces in their room (doorknobs, switches, desktops, headboards) with an alcohol/soap solution (like a hand sanitizer) 3-4 times a day. Let the sun in as much as possible. If moving to another room temporarily, avoid touching any surfaces with bare hands and wash hands just before entering that room. Clothes and linen used should be soaked in a strong soap solution by himself/herself for 2-3 hours before sending out of the room for a wash. Any helper/caretaker entering the room should wear disposable gloves/N95 mask when in the room OR maintain sufficient distance and not touch any surface in the room.
4. If you experience breathlessness during the illness please do have yourself examined at a hospital for pneumonia. Elderly people and people with diseases like diabetes, heart disease, lung disease (asthma, COPD) are at higher risk and should go to a hospital sooner rather than later.
5. At present testing for coronavirus in people showing symptoms is not mandatory unless there is a high probability (i.e. returned from one of the countries in 2 above or otherwise exposed to the risk of infection). This will change if the disease spreads.
6. Avoid congregations/meetings unless really required. Do not shake hands with people. If passing through a crowded zone try and keep a safe distance of 15 Feet from other people.
7. If attending a meeting in RBD Clubhouse, please excuse yourself if you belong to 1 or 2 above. Others can attend but should wash their hands in soap water/sanitizer before and after the meeting.
Pls implement the following simple measures immediately in your home. (1) Follow the strict discipline of having everyone who enters the home first washing hands with soap and water before touching anything - this includes your household help (2) Anyone with symptoms of infection should be quarantined as discussed earlier (3)Avoid going out of RBD as much as feasible, esp. avoid crowded places (4) wipe down door and door knob at entrance to house 2 times every day
AND KEEP IN MIND THE CORONA 5
1. Keep a distance from people who may be infected
2. Wash your hands frequently
3. Avoid touching eyes/nose/face
4. Wear a mask if you are sick
5. Be alert for symptoms and treat every fever/cough as coronavirus (as per 1 above)