What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a disease caused by the novel corona virus. The disease was first reported in Wuhan province of the Republic of China and has to date spread throughout the world and various parts of the country.
Infected person may show symptoms such as fever, a dry cough and body weakness. Symptoms can take up to 14 days to manifest.
The symptoms may be mild in certain individuals and thereby clear without specialised treatment. Such patients are advised to stay at home and self isolate. However, those exhibiting more than mild symptoms are advised to seek medical attention.
How does it spread?
The novel Corona virus spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes or exhales. Please note that it has been established by the WHO that the virus is not airborne. The droplets are weighty and as such do not linger in the air but rather fall to the ground or nearest surface.
Infection occurs when an individual comes into contact with someone who is COVID-19 positive or by touching contaminated surfaces, and there after touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
Christamarianne Response to COVID-19
COVID-19 is a fatal disease especially to the immuno-compromised and the elderly. In order to join the fight to contain its effect in the country, Christamarianne Mission Hospital has made the following response
- Effective immediately only staff and authorized persons will be permitted to access the facility grounds.
- Normal visitation hours have been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. In that regard the visitation of patients has been restricted.
- Persons permitted to access the premises of the facility must have high standards of personal hygiene.
- Staff and patients are encouraged to either sanitize or hand wash every time they feel so. Water fronts have been erected at all corners of the facility to facilitate the same.
- Staff and patients are encouraged to wear face masks at all times and observe social distancing of close to 1.5m.
What can you do?
As of this writing, COVID-19 has neither cure nor a vaccine. There is a global pursuit to develop a vaccine that will keep this pandemic in check. Meanwhile, to lessen the spread of corona virus, we are advised to
- Stay at home if possible
- Avoid overcrowding in a particular spot
- Maintain a social distance of 1.5m to 2m apart
- Clean touch surfaces with disinfectant
- Wear protective gear such as gloves, masks, facial shields and PPEs
Further information can be accessed locally through the Ministry of Health or the World Health Organization. Get access to the national hotline set up by the Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Health by dialling 719 or *719# on your phone.