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.
How to reduce risk of Coronavirus infection
According to the World Health Organization, the public is advised to practice similar measures used to avoid any other airborne virus. These measures include:
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub if your hands are not visibly dirty.
- Covering your mouth and nose with flexed arms or a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and discarding the tissue immediately into a closed bin and clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- Maintaining at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid consumption of raw or undercooked animal products.
- In the case of the Coronavirus, people are being advised to avoid visiting China until the virus’ spread has been brought under control.
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]
