10-point formula for containing coronavirus as shared by DC Hailakandi

March 11: Keerthi Jalli IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Hailakandi has come out with a 10-point formula for helping to contain the spread of Coronavirus. Sharing the points, DC Jalli urged all in her official Facebook page, “Please share and spread the message.”

1. Incubation period before showing of symptoms lasts from 2-14 days (asymptomatic period). Surveillance period is for 28 days. There is a possibility of transmission during asymptomatic stage.
2. Use of Mask- limit spread of certain respiratory diseases. However, mask alone is insufficient to provide the adequate level of protection and other equally relevant measures should be adopted viz Hand hygiene. Also, wearing medical masks when not indicated may cause unnecessary cost, procurement burden and create a false sense of security that can lead to neglecting other essential measures such as hand hygiene practices. Also, using a mask incorrectly may hamper its effectiveness to reduce the risk of transmission.

3. It is not a airborne disease. It spreads through micro water droplets like touched body fluids of the patient (Respiratory tract secretions through cough/sneeze/talking, blood, vomit, saliva, urine, faces). Hence request to repeatedly wash hands and avoid touching sensitive areas like eyes, nose, mouth.
4. How to handwash? Use appropriate product and technique
• An alcohol-based hand rub product is preferable, if hands are not visibly soiled
• Rub hands for 20–30 seconds!
• Soap, running water and single use towel, when visibly dirty or contaminated with proteinaceous material
• Wash hands for 40–60 seconds.

5. Also request to maintain minimum 1m distance from other human beings and avoid large gatherings or travel
6. Touched surfaces like doors, handles, steel turnstile can hold the virus upto 8 hours to 10 days. An alcohol based sanitizer or handrub helps in this regard.
7. Most of the patients detected have a history of travel. Please report any travel through Air/bus/train and monitor for symptoms.
8. Spread through family members is most rampant which is why it is most important to trace the contacts to keep the spread of virus in control. Request for cooperation with our line listing staff in this regard.

9. People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection(fever/cough/difficulty in breathing) should practice respiratory etiquette
.Turn head away from others when coughing/sneezing
. Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue.
. If tissues are used, discard immediately into the trash
. Cough/sneeze into your sleeve if no tissue is available
. Clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol based products
. Do not spit here and there
. Wear a medical mask
. Seek medical care for advice

9. Eat healthy and avoid outside food. Try and boost your immunity through practices like yoga and pranayama. Take special care of hygiene of children.
10. The fatality rate was worse in SARS,/MERS. Request all to remain calm and take necessary precautions and report on any symptoms of fear/cough/shortness of breath. Please do not believe rumours/infodemics/whatsapp forwards and build in fear psychosis. Our administration and Health Department are prepared to handle such cases.