The Novel Coronavirus has sparked quite a lot of attention globally, with public statistics reporting over 31,000 infections and over 630 deaths.
Even as the infection rate has started to slow ever so slightly due to elevated quarantines, border closures, flight suspensions and hospitalization procedures, some passengers have been taking things to the extreme to remain safe. Photos from Chinese social media website have surfaced on Twitter showing passengers wearing cut outs of plastic water jugs as a way of potentially avoiding the virus.
One family was also seen wearing plastic bags and clear rain coats as another form of prevention.
Photo: chenxiwang
Photo: butihen
Photo: Twitter via Daily Mail
Photo: Twitter via Daily Mail
The reality is that these extra measures are not any more effective, and could be somewhat harmful to yourself as you would be limiting yourself of fresh air.
According to the World Health Organization, the public is advised to practice similar measures used to avoid any other airborne virus. These measures include:
For those who have recently visited China, if you do start to experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough and difficulty breathing, it is best advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible to rule out the infection. Those who have not recently been to China have a very low chance of contracting the virus, but for those experiencing mild symptoms, health agencies advise staying at home and avoiding unnecessary human contact.
The CDC also advised that the average Joe wearing a mask is also ineffective, and recommends practicing the above measures in order to reduce the odds of spreading and contracting the virus.
[Featured Photo: ZroHour/Twitter]