On COVID-19, and how we can work together to prevent its spread and help all of us stay safe.
New variants of the virus have caused another more intense wave of infections across the world, including India and some countries in the African continent. We urge our community members to take basic precautions: such as avoiding crowds, wearing masks, and social distancing. CHB urges everyone to follow it.
In addition to implementing basic precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, there are at least other precautionary measures our community must take heed to seriously.
- Follow the basic precautionary rules as provided.
- Follow instructions and advices of your local Jamaats.
- Maintain at least 1 to 1.5 – metre distance between yourself and others to reduce your risk of infection when they cough, sneeze or speak. Maintain an even greater distance between yourself and others when indoors. The further away, the better.
- Make wearing a mask a normal part of being around other people. The appropriate use, storage and cleaning or disposal are essential to make masks as effective as possible.
Here are the basics of how to wear a mask:
- Clean your hands before you put your mask on, as well as before and after you take it off, and after you touch it at any time.
- Make sure it covers both your nose, mouth and chin.
- When you take off a mask, store it in a clean plastic bag, and every day either wash it if it’s a fabric mask, or dispose of a medical mask in a trash bin.
- Don’t use masks with valves.
Don’t forget the basics of good hygiene
- Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. This eliminates germs including viruses that may be on your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and infect you.
- Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately into a closed bin and wash your hands. By following good ‘respiratory hygiene’, you protect the people around you from viruses, which cause colds, flu and COVID-19.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently especially those which are regularly touched, such as door handles, chair arms, faucets and phone screens.
Please listen to this video clip on precautionary advise:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7J_Ca-N2IY
CHB – YOUR HEALTH IS OUR PRIORITY
SECRETARIAT
CENTRAL HEALTH BOARD OF AFRICA FEDERATION
23rd April 2021