2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. Early on, many of the patients in the outbreak in Wuhan, China reportedly had some link to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. However, a growing number of patients reportedly have not had exposure to animal markets, indicating person-to-person spread is occurring. At this time, it’s unclear how easily or sustainably this virus is spreading between people. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html)
The Department of Health (DOH) released a statement stating that there are NO CONFIRMED CASES OF THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS IN THE PHILIPPINES TO DATE. However, the De La Salle Santiago Zobel School is one with the DOH in its advocacy to prevent such infection. Here are a few things that we must bear in mind:
Patients reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness, with symptoms of:
- Fever
- Cough/runny nose/sore throat
- Shortness of breath or difficulty of breathing
- Headache
How can I help protect myself and my peers?
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/sick-with-2019-nCoV-fact-sheet.pdf
DOH ADVISORY
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick and with animals.
- Cover your mouth and nose or move away from people when sneezing or coughing. Better to use tissue and dispose properly right after.
- Drink lots of water and avoid eating raw or half-cooked meals.
- Bring your OWN facemask (all students and employees). Those who have off-campus activities (outreach, research analysis, or ALE), parents, fetchers, drivers, nannies, and transport service providers coming in and out of the school must also wear face masks.
- Those who have symptoms of cough, sore throat, colds, and fever SHOULD NOT GO TO SCHOOL, until at least 48 hours fever-free and medically cleared by a doctor. As stated in our handbook, those who are absent for at least 3 days must present a medical certificate, saying that you are physically fit to return to school, and our School Physician will issue clearance before sending the student to the CSAF for issuance of admission slip.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Those who have a history of travel abroad within the last 2 weeks must also present a medical certificate and secure clearance from our School Physician.
- CONSULT A PHYSICIAN right away, if you develop symptoms like cough and colds, especially when you have a history of travel abroad.
Is there a treatment? (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet.pdf)
There is no specific antiviral treatment for 2019-nCoV. People infected with it can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms.