Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is an infectious disease which affects people’s lungs and airways. The people who are most vulnerable to this disease are older people and those with underlying health conditions like heart problems, diabetes or high blood pressure. The source of the virus is believed to be a “wet market” which sold both dead and live animals in Wuhan, China. People thought the original host of the Coronavirus was bats. However they weren’t sold at this market. They could have possibly infected some of the live animals in that “wet market”.

The symptoms of the Coronavirus are a high temperature, a persistent cough and trouble breathing. Some patients may have a sore throat, runny nose, aches and pains, nasal congestion and diarrhoea. According to the WHO, about 80% of people who do get COVID-19, usually experience quite a mild case, like a regular cold, and recover gradually with no special treatment.

In the UK, the NHS advise that whoever has these symptoms should self-isolate at home for 7 days. If there are people living in the same household, they have to stay at home for 14 days. This is to ensure they stop spreading the virus outside their homes. If someone gets worse or their symptoms last longer than 7 days, they should call NHS 111.

Recently there were strict measures taken for the well-being of the public. These were to leave your homes only for shopping for bare necessities, to do one form of exercise per day, any medical need or care for those at risk and travelling to and back from work. Also shops that don't sell essentials have to close and public gatherings of more than two people, except those living in the same household, are banned. Police can fine people who break these rules with a fixed penalty of £30.

In order to protect yourselves and your families, you should do the following things: try to stay at home as much as possible, avoid those who are sick as COVID-19 is contagious, try to stay 2 metres away from other people, wash your hands often and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, try not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth as much and make sure to try and clean your house as regularly as you can.

Make sure you stay safe and stay at home as much as possible!!!

By Losigga Rajahvisvalingam