Be Calm and Do the Right Thing at the Time of Emergency – COVID 19

Life in the UAE is just as good as any developed country. Except for the hot weather and only during summer time. If you are earning well enough to own a nice place to live and send your kids to school - you can lead a content life in the Emirates. 

Many people have moved to the UAE, especially Dubai, in the last 2-3 decades and consider it as one of the safest places on the map. 

But after the emergence of the Corona virus, there is fear everywhere. What we need to understand is how to prepare to avoid the disease instead of panicking. Here is everything you need to know about this deadly virus,

The Coronavirus Emerges

With the spreading news of the virus and the virus itself, no life seems safe enough anywhere in the world lately. The COVID-19 disease outbreak was first reported from Wuhan, China, on December 24th 2019. 

But as of today, the global number of confirmed cases of the disease has surpassed 100,000 as it is spreading from country to country and the death toll has reached 3,000 as reported and this number is rising by minutes. 

What is COVID-19?

If we want to avoid the virus, we must look into what the virus actually is first. It is a respiratory virus that starts with a common cold and adds fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties as the virus grows. The danger begins if it is not taken seriously, and medical help is not taken within the emergency, then it can lead to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, or even death. 

In case of emergency, we must remember not to panic and focus on seeking medical help at the earliest possible hour if any of the symptoms appears to get worse however a runny nose is not a common sign.

COVID-19 in the UAE

The Ministry of Health and Prevention reported 14 new cases of the virus, adding the number to a total of 59 confirmed cases. The authorities have reported that infected cases involve several nationalities. 

At this time of emergency, people must not leave their homes unless absolutely necessary, and many people are seen wearing masks. Urgent situations like these need to be handled with the most calming responses because panicking would definitely not help.

Prevention Tips from World Health Organisation (WHO)

The World Health Organisation advises all nations to take proper measures to stop, contain, control, and delay the virus at all costs. Here are a few tips from the World Health Organisation,

• Frequently and thoroughly washing hands with soap or alcohol-based hand rub (for 20Sec at least) should be done often as this kills the virus on your hands.
• Maintain a distance of at least three feet from someone who is sneezing or coughing as that sneeze or cough releases a spray of small drops of liquid from the nose or mouth that may contain the virus.
• Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean and unwashed hands as the hand carries viruses that may enter the body via nose, eyes, or mouth. 
• Respiratory hygiene is equally important so make sure you cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze and remember to dispose of the tissue. 
• If you travel frequently and have been in one of the countries which has been reported by UAE government, it is highly advisable to stay at home and do not come in contact with people who are at risk specially elderly and small children.
• The meat of all types should be properly washed and properly cooked before eating as undercooked meat can also become a source to catch this virus from animals.
• Seek medical help ASAP if you have a fever along with cough and difficulty in breathing to prevent the spreading of the virus and other infections.
• The virus is researched to infect people with a weak immune system like the elderly or kids. They must be taken extra care to avoid getting infected.
• Take as much sunshine as possible as Vitamin D is essential for your immune system
• Avoid public places as the virus spreads from human to human so easily
• Stop listening to unauthorised news and posts on social media which will only raise more panic and uncertainty. If there is more development, we will all get notified by news

We must also keep ourselves updated on the recent developments about COVID-19. We need to follow the advice given above and by our health care provider as they are best informed about it. 

Conclusion

Just worrying about getting infected by the virus would not make things any better. Although it is only natural to get concerned at this hour of emergency and urgency, it would be best if precautions are taken, and all the do's and don'ts are followed religiously. 

The elderly and very young children who are more at risk of getting infected due to weak immune systems should be dealt with extra care, love, support, and patience to help cope up with their stress that can be in any form like anger, anxiety, or even agitation. We need to remember that the virus can be fought, and we must follow the provided rules for ourselves and for the loved ones around us.