The COVID-19 Pandemic is a global outbreak affecting almost all the countries in the world. The pandemic has led to socioeconomic disruptions, cancellation or postponement of social events, closing down of schools as well as the spread of fears all over the country and the world at large.

HOPin Academy would like to encourage the general public to stay calm and learn more about the disease. In this trying time, let us not despair for when we are able to follow the safety precautions and practice them well we will be protected from the disease. We should be ready to support each other and be kind to one another. Together as a nation, we will fight this to the end.

We are sharing some information regarding the novel disease and ways we can protect ourselves from it.

The common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia and severe acute respiratory syndrome. Currently, cases of fatality are relatively low. The virus can be spread from human to human contact. In the human-to-human transmission of the viruses, often it happens when a healthy person comes into contact with an infected person’s secretions. The exposure factors are; cough or a sneeze. The virus can also be transmitted by touching something an infected person has touched and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

Some of the Basic Precautionary measures that can be taken are;

1. Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitizer to clean your hands. This kills the viruses that may be on the hands.

2. Avoid touching your face thus eyes, mouth, and nose. 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 can make you sick.

3. Practice respiratory hygiene. Cover your mouth with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Droplets spread the virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

4. Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

5. If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early and call in advance. Stay home if you feel unwell. Follow the directions of your local health authority. National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent the spread of viruses and other infections.

Remember, while we take all precautionary measures against the coronavirus, a healthy immune system will keep you safer. It has been proven by research that people with good and healthy immune systems survive the COVID-19 virus infection.

Let’s take foods rich in vitamins to boost our immune system. As well as food rich in antioxidants which are iterated below.

1. Eat food rich in Vitamin C for e.g. Orange, watermelon, tangerines, green leafy vegetables, grapes, lemon etc.

2. Eat food rich in vitamin A e.g. Carrot, pawpaw, orange flesh sweet potato, dark green leafy vegetables.

3. Eat food rich in vitamin D e.g. Salmon, mackerel, milk, fortified foods, mushroom, meat, egg yolk etc.

4. Eat food rich in antioxidants e.g. turmeric, garlic, ginger etc.

Demystifying Myths About COVID-19

1. COVID-19 virus can not be transmitted in areas with a hot and humid climate.
   From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather. Regardless of climate, adopt protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands. By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the new coronavirus?
2. No. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth). Be aware that both alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.3. Does the new coronavirus affect older people, or are younger people also susceptible?
3. People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus. Older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus. WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.

4. COVID-19 cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites. There has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes. The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Also, avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing and sneezing.

The Academy assures our community, stakeholders, partners, and the general public that we care about their wellbeing and we are also closely monitoring and following the situation. At our space, we have provided hand sanitizers and a place for hand washing to ensure our safety and protection. We love you all and we are fighting this together. Let’s continue to spread calm and not fear and surely all these shall come to pass.