As we all are in a dilemma to make any travel plans during the coronavirus epidemic, it is very important to be well aware of the seriousness of the issue. As well it is a social responsibility for everyone to control the spread as much as we can. It is very important to understand the outbreak situation and not to follow rumors from a non-reliable source.

Situation Summary

Below information is courtesy: https://www.cdc.gov/

An outbreak of respiratory illness caused by COVID-19 first detected in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China is ongoing. Cases also have been identified in travelers from Wuhan to other parts of China and the world, including the United States. Early on, many of the patients in Wuhan reportedly had some link to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. At this time, person-to-person spread is occurring. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so. It’s not clear yet how easily this new coronavirus spreads from person-to-person

Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms also can occur with many other common respiratory infections, such as flu.

How COVID-19 Spreads

Person-to-person spread

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)
• Via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

When does spread happen?

• People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
• Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

What to Do If You Are Sick with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

If you develop a fever1 and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, within 14 days after travel from China, you should call ahead to a healthcare professional and mention your recent travel or close contact. If you have had close contact with someone showing these symptoms who has recently traveled from this area, you should call ahead to a healthcare professional and mention your close contact and their recent travel. Your healthcare professional will work with your state’s public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.

Latest update on COVID-19 Cases worldwide as of 25^th February 2020

Information courtesy: https://gulfnews.com/

• China – Total cases reported 77,150 and 2,592 deaths
• Hong Kong – 79 cases and 2 deaths
• Macau – 10 cases
• Taiwan -28 cases and 1 death
• Afghanistan– 1 case
• Australia – 23 cases
• Bahrain – 1 case
• Belgium– 1 case
• Cambodia– 1 case
• Canada – 10 cases
• Egypt– 1 case
• Finland– 1 case
• France – 12 cases and 1 death
• Germany – 16 cases
• India – 3 cases
• Iran – 61 cases and 12 deaths
• Israel – 2 cases
• Italy – 219 cases and 5 deaths
• Japan – 838 cases reported and 4 deaths
• Kuwait – 3 cases
• South Korea – 833 cases and 7 deaths
• Lebanon– 1 case
• Malaysia – 22 cases
• Nepal– 1 case
• Philippines – 3 cases and 1 death
• Russia – 2 cases
• Sri Lanka– 1 case
• Singapore – 89 cases
• Spain – 2 cases
• Sweden– 1 case
• Thailand – 35 cases
• Taiwan – 28 cases and 1 death
• The Republic of Korea
• United Arab Emirates – 13 cases
• United Kingdom – 13 cases
• United States – 35 cases and 1 U.S. citizen died in china
• Vietnam -16 cases

As responsible citizens of our respective countries we must:

• Keep a close watch on general health and welfare of close family members, friends and relatives.

• I would recommend all people with unavoidable travel plans please refer to below link from centers for disease control and prevention to be more informed on the situations at different destinations.

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list

• Focus on supporting health care workers/ systems in the hospitals by following general guidelines by WHO, as they themselves are stressed for the situation.

• Maintain hygiene and keep washing your hands frequently.

• Making kids understand the situation and encourage them to stay safe by maintaining hygiene at schools and outdoor areas.

• Stay calm, don’t follow rumors and think rationally.
• Do a reserve of necessary medications at home.

Prayers for everyone’s safety and hope to have a solution for Coronavirus’s outbreak real soon.