Be well informed about Covid-19

WHILE the Government has stepped up its efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19), it is important for everyone to get facts from trusted sources.
The Government will soon release full details of the isolation strategy in the country.
This will affect domestic flights; travel between provinces; suspension of classes for four weeks for schools in the education system from next Monday to April 19; and, some restriction on the movement of people.
The preventive measures announced are not to cause panic but to put in place mechanisms to control and prevent any further spreading of the virus.
The fight to contain the Covid-19 pandemic is global.
All nations are working together on this.
If ever there is a time and a need to put aside enmity between our politicians and bureaucrats, it is now.
Unfortunately, a big problem with this pandemic is that health measures curtailing the movements of people and social contact will hurt economic activities and businesses.
Remember, it is important that we as a society do not ignore the Covid-19, but we do not want to over hype it as well.
The world has faced infectious diseases before and we have come through it.
We will get through this.
It is best to be vigilant and cautious
We all need to be intentional and thoughtful when communicating on social media and other communication platforms.
We have to show supportive behaviours around the new coronavirus.
The National will continue to emphasise the importance of communicating Covid-19 as important in supporting people to take effective action to help combat the disease and to avoid fuelling fear and stigma.
When talking about the coronavirus, certain words and language may have a negative meaning for people and fuel stigmatising attitudes.
The Government, through the Health Department and the main stream media, have an important role to play in preventing and stopping stigma relating to Covid-19.
Let us promote content around basic infection prevention practices, symptoms of the Covid-19 and when to seek healthcare.
Let’s share facts and accurate information about the coronavirus.
The way we communicate can affect the attitude of others.
In an age where information is mass produced and accessible at the touch of a button, what the public really should have is relevant knowledge.
This information should be available to everyone for them to make sound and educated decisions. It is for everyone’s benefit that these measures are being put in place – from social distancing to getting into crowded areas and the simplest reminder of personal hygiene.
The message of practicing hand hygiene (wash your hands regularly with soap and water), respiratory hygiene (cover your cough), and food safety (cook food well before eating) as a prevention measure for yourself as well as your family members and your community should continue.
We all need to get the basic of personal hygiene right and adhere to the “don’ts” and “dos” of the lockdown.
In the coming days, let’s all pay attention to what the Government has announced to take effect.
Let’s abide by the control measures to stop the virus from spreading further in our respective communities.