SILENT KILLER - COVID 19

How to Prevent the Spreading of Corona Virus

        The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the new coronavirus outbreak, which originated in Wuhan, China, a pandemic. As of June 18, the global death toll surpassed 454,000 which more than 8.5 million cases. Besides, coronavirus has also changed our life on how we work, play and learn. Schools are closing, sports leagues have been cancelled, and many people have been asked to work from home. So, what is coronavirus? is it true it is a silent killer? According to the WHO the coronavirus family causes illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). They circulate in animals and some can be transmitted between animals and humans. This virus known to affect humans and has been named as COVID-19. The question is, where did it come from? China alerted the WHO to cases of unusual pneumonia in Wuhan on December 31. From there, COVID-19 is thought to have originated in a seafood market where wildlife was sold illegally. On February 7, Chinese researchers said the virus could have spread from an infected animal to humans through illegally trafficked pangolins, prized in Asia for food and medicine. Scientists have pointed to either bats or snakes as possible sources. What are the symptoms? Common signs of infection include fever, coughing and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia, multiple organ failure and death. The incubation period of COVID-19 is thought to be between one and 14 days. It is contagious before symptoms appear, which is why so many people get infected. So, should we worry? How can we protect yourself? There are three ways to prevent coronavirus from spreading which are by avoiding 3C (crowded place, confined space and close conversation), practice 3W (wash, wear and warn) and abide to S.O.P.

            First and foremost, in order to stop the spreading of coronavirus we are advised to avoid the 3C.  Our health ministry has stated a statement that people should avoid 3C areas namely, crowded place, confined space and close conversation during this pandemic outbreak. The first of the 3C is crowded places which explains that people should avoid the area which crowded with people that can easily contribute to the infection of covid-19. Big event that involved many people in one place are also considered as crowded place. Therefore, we should also stop mass gathering in meantime. Besides, People are being strictly advised to avoid places such as, shopping mall, stadium, parties and many more. Government also has taken initiative in which closing some of these crowded area which has potential in increasing more cases of covid-19. Next, is confined space which explain that people should avoid gathering at closed space areas. The gathering at the confined space such as religious place like mosque and church, lift, pantries and more has been strictly forbid by our ministry until the pandemic is down. The last C is for close conversation or also called as close contact. People should avoid having close contact to other people to stop the spreading of corona virus. Social distancing is one of the best way in avoiding the close conversation between people. Avoid close contact such as shaking hands and hugging to avoid ourselves becoming one of  the victim for  the coronavirus. Matthew Faiman, of Cleveland Clinic said  they are trying to use some common sense, that when people are put together in large groups, in small spaces, that when you have an illness that is borne by droplets, by coughing and sneezing, that there’s more chance to spread it among the community if you’re in close quarters. Therefore, during this pandemic outbreak, people should practicing in avoiding the 3C (Desai et al, 2020).

            Next, practicing 3W can help prevent corona virus from spreading. 3W stands for Wash, Wear and Warn. In order to fulfil the first W which is Wash, we should regularly wash our hands with hand sanitizer or preferably with soap and water.  Washing hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap can kills viruses that may be on our hands. There are 8 simple steps that we can practice while washing hands. Science has shown that washing hands for 20 seconds is effective in killing germs and the experts say that you can sing happy birthday song twice to complete the 20 seconds. Next W is Wear. The mask should be worn when we need to leave our house especially when in public. People with symptom of having fever and flu are advisable to wear a mask to reduce the spread of the viruses. People who have nature of work meeting many people should also wear mask to prevent themselves from infecting people or protect themselves from being infected. The last W told us to practice caution by avoiding handshakes, staying at home and seeking treatment if we are developing symptoms related to Covid-19. Based on the study that had been done on the Effect of Stay-at-home Orders on Covid-19 Cases and Fatalities in the United States, it is stated that the orders shows a significant sign in flattening the curve of the active cases (Fowler et al, 2020). In fact, Malaysia also shows a significant change on flattening the curve after the Movement Control Orders were announced. Now that does explain why we have to experience Online Distance Learning for this semester. It is because we need to minimize the risk of being exposed to Covid-19.

          Last, but not least, all parties should take responsibility by abide to standard operating procedure (SOP) that have been implemented by government. The S.O.P must be followed by all people, premises and companies that were allowing to operate during this pandemic. There are few S.O.P that has been implemented by government to contain the spread of Covid-19. First thing first, if you need to go outside you need to follow the 1-meter social distancing. All premises that are allowing to open during this pandemic need to ensure 1-meter social detention at accommodation by doing lines as to avoid social interaction between people. The goal of social distancing is to slow down the outbreak of the virus. Screening body temperature is another one of the S.O.P that are should be implemented by all premises and company. Before entering any places, people need to line up and getting their body temperature check by the security guard or staff involved. Not everyone infected with Covid-19 may develop fever but it is still one of the most common symptoms associated with the novel coronavirus. The normal body temperature is around 36.5°C to 37°C. If the person has higher temperature than the normal range, the person is likely considered having fever and must be isolated from other people. Premises should not allow people who are risk to enter their place. Babies and older people are the people who at higher risk of developing more serious complications from Covid-19 illness. The S.O.P done by the government is not to allow children who are below 12 years old and older people that are above 60 years old to go outside. All premises should not allow this group from entering their premises as to prevent the risk. Older people face significant risk of developing severe illness if they contract the disease due to physiological changes that come with ageing and potential underlying health conditions. While babies and children are vulnerable to the virus likely due to their immature immune systems and smaller airways, which make them more likely to develop breathing issues with respiratory virus infections. According to health authorities, they reported that there are possibilities of reducing Covid-19 cases to below 10 every day if the public follows standard operating procedures (SOPs). It depends on how well people follow S.O.P as the cases numbers would increase rapidly if SOP was not followed (CodeBlue, 2020). 

            In conclusion in order to fight this silent killer all parties should be responsible and follow all the steps above as to contain the spread of this virus.  We should take care of ourselves and people around us by avoiding the 3C, practising the 3W and follow the SOP. Our battle is not yet to end. So let’s bind our hands and together we fight this covid-19.