Important Information about Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak for the Volunteers and Travelers Abroad

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The major part of the world is on an alert as the recent outbreak of coronavirus has spread to more than hundred countries. The virus is continuing to unfurl with around 92,000 cases globally. Recorded more than ten percent case just outside china, the outbreak is now declared Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak as an emergency in some part of the globe.

Here we provide all the information about coronavirus (COVID 19) essential for the volunteer and travelers abroad:

What is a coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans.  In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus COVID-19?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are as follows:

• Fever
• Tiredness
• Dry cough

Some other frequent symptoms are

• Aches and pains
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea

How does coronavirus COVID-19 spread?

Coronavirus COVID-19 spreads mainly from the infected people. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is suggested to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.

How to protect yourself from Coronavirus COVID-19 infection?

Here are some of the tips you can follow to prevent yourself from getting infected with coronavirus COVID-19:

• Clean your hands regularly and thoroughly with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
• Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Take rest if you feel unwell

Information for the volunteers and travelers abroad

Here are some of the valuable information regarding the coronavirus (COVID 19) for the travelers and volunteers abroad. Most of the answers in sections are referred through traveler’s advice on coronavirus disease COVID-19 from WHO.

Should I cancel my travel?

No, travelers should not cancel their plans but they should take account the precautions from airlines and local authorities of traveling destination.

Is plane cabin dangerous for infection?

No, as the virus is transmitted by droplets, the best to is to practice proper hand and respiratory hygiene.

How effective are masks?

The masks are very effective for the people who are sick from preventing them to transmit the disease to others. For the people who are not sick, mask is not really effective.

What about touching the luggage?

Virus can exist for around half an hour. So there is no evidence that the virus can be transferred by touching the other people's luggage.

What precautions should I take while being in a hotel room during the travel?

Being in a hotel room as a traveler, you should practice the similar hand and respiratory protection as mentioned above.

Should I avoid the crowded place like Airport?

If you are traveling abroad you cannot avoid airport, however it is advisable to avoid the crowd and keep the distance from the people who look sick.

If I am in a flight who is confirmed as corona virus infected person, what should I do?

The passenger crew of the airlines should maintain the gap of at least 2 rows ahead and 2 rows back of the infected person. If that is not happening, contact the authorities inside flight.

Should the cruise ships be cancelled?

Just like in the Airplanes, if preventive measures are done, there won’t be need of cancelling the cruise ships.

What are the countries and regions most affected by coronavirus COVID-19?

Pic Source: WHO

Most affected countries in Western Pacific region are China, Republic of Korea and Japan. While Italy and France are affected in European Region. Thailand also has some noticeable cases in South East Asia region.  While Iran seems most affected in Eastern Mediterranean Region. United States of America also has the cases of Coronavirus COVID-19.

Conclusion: Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) for the Volunteers and Travelers Abroad

As the coronavirus outbreak is spreading, there has definitely being significant change in the behavior of businesses and people around the world. But there is no need to panic, you can travel the world fearlessly as long as you get yourself informed and keep updated. As long as you follow all the prevention measures announced by authorities and keep updated about the infected places, your travel plan won’t be affected.

So far CDC has recommended that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to the China and Iran. Entry of foreign nationals from these destinations has been suspended. It is also recommended that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to the South Korea, Italy. It is recommended that older adults or those who have chronic medical conditions consider postponing travel to Japan and travelers should practice usual precautions at Hong Kong. For more updates on travel destination alerts, visit this page of CDC .