COVID-19 facts are essential to understanding the current situation of the world, which is facing a serious health crisis due to the outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This infectious disease has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives globally and has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO), meaning that it is spreading across countries and continents.

COVID-19 False News

However, along with the virus, there is also a lot of misinformation and myths that are circulating on social media and other platforms. This is leading to people taking wrong or harmful actions that can worsen the situation. Therefore, it is important to know the facts about COVID-19 and how to protect yourself and others from it. Here are some facts sourced from WHO:

COVID-19 Facts

• The virus can survive in any weather condition. The temperature or humidity of the environment does not affect the transmission or survival of the virus. The virus can infect people in both hot and cold climates. Therefore, drinking hot water, eating hot food, bathing with hot water, or eating spicy food will not prevent or cure COVID-19.
• Face masks are not enough to protect you from the virus. Face masks can help reduce the spread of the virus by preventing droplets from a cough or sneeze from reaching others. However, they do not block the virus completely and they need to be used correctly and disposed of safely. Therefore, wearing a face mask does not mean that you are immune to COVID-19.
• The virus can affect anyone, regardless of age. Babies, children, young adults, and older adults can all get infected by COVID-19. However, some people are more at risk of developing severe complications or dying from it. These include older people and people with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or cancer. Therefore, everyone should take precautions to avoid getting infected or infecting others.
• There is no simple test to diagnose COVID-19 at home. The only way to confirm if you have COVID-19 is to get tested by a health professional using a laboratory test. Holding your breath for 10 minutes or more without feeling any discomfort does not mean that you are free of COVID-19. This is a false and dangerous myth that can delay seeking medical attention if you have symptoms.
• Insects do not transmit the virus. There is no evidence that mosquitoes, ticks, or any other insects can spread COVID-19. However, they can carry other diseases that can harm your health. The main way that COVID-19 spreads is through respiratory droplets from an infected person to another person who is in close contact with them. The virus can also be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces such as door handles, countertops, or railings.

Precautions against COVID-19

Knowing the facts about COVID-19 is not enough. You also need to take action to prevent yourself and others from getting infected or spreading the virus. Here are some precautions that you should follow:

1. Maintain social distancing. Keep at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing. This will reduce your risk of inhaling the droplets that contain the virus.
2. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands for at least 20 seconds. Do this especially after being in public places, before eating, after using the bathroom, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
3. Use your non-dominant hand for touching common surfaces. This will reduce the chance of transferring the virus from your hand to your face, which is one of the main ways that the virus enters your body. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
4. Wear a face mask when you are in public places where social distancing is not possible. Make sure that the mask covers your nose and mouth and fits snugly on your face. Do not touch the front of the mask while wearing it or when removing it. Dispose of it safely in a closed bin or wash it if it is reusable.
5. Practice self-isolation and stay at home if you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19. This will prevent you from spreading the virus to others and allow you to seek medical help if needed. Call your doctor or local health authority for advice on how to get tested and treated for COVID-19.
6. Follow the guidelines and regulations issued by your government and health authorities regarding COVID-19. These may include lockdowns, curfews, travel restrictions, quarantine measures, or vaccination programs. These are designed to protect you and others from the virus and to contain its spread.

Conclusion

COVID-19 is a serious threat to global health and security. It is essential that we all know the facts about it and take precautions to prevent it. This is not only for our own safety, but also for the safety of others. We all have a role to play in fighting this pandemic and saving lives. If you suspect that you or someone you know has COVID-19, do not hesitate to contact the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on the toll-free number; 0800 9700 0010 or escalate on the COVID-19 HELP Website.

Together, we can overcome this pandemic.