What is a Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans.  In

humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the

common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes

coronavirus disease COVID-19.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new

virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may

have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhoea. These symptoms are

usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms

and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special

treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops

difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood

pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever,

cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.

How does COVID-19 spread?

People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to

person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with

COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other

people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or

mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19

who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet)

away from a person who is sick.

WHO is assessing ongoing research on the ways COVID-19 is spread and will continue to share

updated findings?

What can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of disease?

Protection measures for everyone: Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Many countries around the world have seen cases of COVID-19 and several have seen outbreaks. Authorities in China and some other countries have succeeded in slowing or stopping their outbreaks. However, the situation is unpredictable so check regularly for the latest news.

You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:

• Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

• Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Why? 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.

• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.

Why? 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 can make you sick.

• 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.

Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

• Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. 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.

• Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling to places – especially if you are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease.

Why? You have a higher chance of catching COVID-19 in one of these areas

Do not forget to call this numbers if you have any emergencies.

GNI Healthcare Client Service – 07046251142; 07046251143

GNI Healthcare (Dr. Bankole) – 08033967253

Local HR department: 09022222204 and 07033423219

NCDC Toll Free Line – 080097000010