Novel Coronavirus
(COVID-19)
What is the Disease?
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of
coronavirus, first identified in a cluster with
pneumonia symptoms in Wuhan city, Hubei
province of China.
Most of the cases were epidemiologically linked to
the seafood and animal market.
How is the virus transmitted ?
Novel Coronavirus strains are spread from
person to person through contaminated droplets
01 from a person who is sick with the illness
(through coughing or sneezing) or contaminated
hands.
The virus can spread through touching an
02
infected surface.
The incubation period extends from 1 to 14 days
03 (that means the amount of time from being
exposed to the virus to showing symptoms).
The symptoms are:
Sore throat Fever Headache
Shortness of breath Cough
Note: Not everyone with a cold or upper respiratory symptom needs to get tested for
COVID-19. Only a person with a symptoms and travel history can do the test.
Is there any treatment for
COVID-19?
The treatment of COVID-19 depends on enhancing
the immunity level of patients, treating the
symptoms and easing complications, as there is no
specific treatment for the virus to date.
Is there a vaccine against the
Novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Currently there is no available vaccine that
protects against novel coronavirus.
When should I wash my hands?
After coughing or After toilet use After handling animals
sneezing or animal waste
before, during and after When caring for the When hands are dirty
you prepare food and sick
before and after eating
How to greet people while having
respiratory symptoms such as a
cough and a cold?
Avoid shaking hands and just wave
Avoid hugging or kissing others
Avoid nose-to-nose greeting
If you intend to travel to areas
affected by Novel coronavirus:
Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal
markets, and products that come from
animals (such as uncooked meat).
Avoid close contact with anyone
showing symptoms of respiratory
illness.
Wash hands often with soap and water
for at least 20 seconds.
Use hand sanitizer if soap and water
are not available.
Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues.
Note: Avoid traveling abroad due to the spread of COVID-19 in multiple countries,
except if it is an extreme necessity.
Procedures for those arriving to
the UAE:
If you have any symptom of a respiratory infection and have
traveled to any country with a widespread outbreak of
COVID-19 , we advise you to do the following:
Visit the nearest health center or hospital and immediately
inform the doctor of your recent travel history and your
symptoms
Follow the doctor’s instructions, and if you were advised to
self-isolate, please avoid any direct contact with people
Take the information from reliable sources
For any medical support or inquiry,
please contact:
“Estijaba" service at the operation center –
Department of Health at 8001717
Ministry of Health & Prevention at 80011111
Dubai Health Authority at 800342
Misconceptions about the coronavirus
Can facemasks protect me from Covid-19?
Facemasks can’t protect you from the disease, in fact, it can cause the
user to constantly touch their face to adjust their mask, which increases
the risk of transmission if your hand is infected
It should only be used under two conditions:
• If you are suffering from respiratory symptoms such as coughing and
sneezing
•If you are taking care of someone suffering from respiratory symptoms
Can antibiotics cure Covid-19?
No it can’t, antibiotics fight bacteria and have no effect on viruses
Can flu shots prevent Covid-19?
No it can’t because they can only fight the virus that causes influenza,
which is different from the Covid-19 virus
Can garlic protect us from the corona virus?
Garlic is healthy as it contains antimicrobial properties. However, there is
no evidence that eating garlic can protect us against covid-19
Can I shop online?
Yes you can, as there is no scientific evidence until now, which proves
that Covid-19 can be transmitted through products.
Misconceptions about the coronavirus
Can I contract coronavirus if an infected person passes by me?
No, it can only be transmitted if you have direct contact with the person
infected (less than two meters far), through constant contact, and
through touching
Is it safe to order food at restaurants?
Yes, but make sure to order food that is cooked well and make sure to
eat it while it’s hot
Why should we avoid touching our eyes, nose and mouth before
washing our hands or sanitizing them?
While touching surfaces, your hand can collect a number of viruses,
which then can be transferred to your eyes, nose and mouth when
touching them and cause you to get Covid-19
Why should we cover our mouth with the inside of our elbow when
sneezing and coughing if we can’t find a napkin?
The droplets, which are spread from sneezing and coughing can spread
diseases like the flu, cold and Covid-19. Therefore, it is best to use the
inside of your elbow when sneezing and coughing if you can’t find a
napkin.
