Coronavirus Hits Siliguri: What Should You Do?

Know-How it Spreads

• There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19).
• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
• Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

What Can You Do?

• Clean your hands often
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home as much as possible
• Put distance between yourself and other people.
• Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus.
• Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Cover coughs and sneezes

• If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean and disinfect

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

To disinfect:

The most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

Options include:

• Diluting your household bleach.
• To make a bleach solution, mix:
• 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water

OR

• 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

• Alcohol solutions.
• Ensure the solution has at least 70% alcohol.
• Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants.

Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogen claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).

Do You Think You Have Coronavirus? What Should You Do? 

Visit an authorized clinic immediately. Here are the helpline numbers for West Bengal: 1800313444222, 03323412600

• Cover your face
• Avoid Public Transport
• Use Sanitizer every time you sneeze or touch your face or mouth
• Inform the receptionist/doctor/nurse about your condition
• Avoid Private Clinics & Hospitals 
• Search Coronavirus Testing centers near you