PLEASE READ: UAE Health Ministry Guidelines on Coronavirus COVID-19

To all residents, please read the awareness guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health & Prevention about the coronavirus disease. The Ministry recently reported the UAE’s 5th case of the coronavirus and while the government has mentioned that all the patients are in stable condition and in medical observation, it is important that we also do our part in educating ourselves of the symptoms, and best practices to avoid the outbreak.

Also Read: World Health Organization Declares 2019-nCoV a Global Health Emergency

The Ministry of Health and Prevention has shared some informative posts about the coronavirus. Please be guided accordingly to be aware of the virus and the things you should know.

Things to Know about Coronavirus as per Ministry of Health & Prevention

How is the virus transmitted?
It’s likely that the novel coronavirus originated in an animal species, and then spread to humans.

Person to person spread of the novel coronavirus is reported, but it is not yet understood how easily this happens.

Other human coronavirus strains are spread from person to person through contaminated droplets from a person who is sick with the illness (through coughing or sneezing) or contaminated hands.

Is there a vaccine against the novel coronavirus?
Currently there are no available vaccines that protect against novel coronavirus

What are the symptoms?

Cough
Shortness of breath
Fever
Sore throat
Headache

Is there any treatment for Novel coronavirus?
There is no specific treatment. It is mainly supportive treatment that aims at reducing symptoms.

Ways to Prevent the Disease
1. Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).
2. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness.
3. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
4. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not availabel.
5. Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues.
6 Do not travel if you develop any ilnnes symptoms.

What should symptomatic travelers coming from China do?
If you traveled to China and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should:

Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
Avoid contact with others.
Not travel while sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

What information sources are reliable?
We recommened that you receive the correct information from government health agencies and do not circulate information about diseases in general. In the event that any medical support or inquiry is required, please contact: