COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus. ‘CO’ stands for corona, ‘VI’ for virus, and ‘D’ for disease. The COVID-19 virus is a new virus linked to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and some types of common cold.

The virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated through coughing and sneezing). Individuals can also be infected from and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and touching their face (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth)

It is very important that cloth masks are used correctly. Incorrect use might result in users putting themselves at risk of spreading Covid-19.

• Only use a mask that has been washed and ironed.
• Wash your hands before putting the mask on and ensure that it covers both your nose and mouth properly.
• Make sure it fits well. Move it around to get the best fit
• Never touch the cloth part.
• Once you have put on the mask, DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE again until you take it off.
• When you take it off, undo the ties, and carefully fold the mask inside out, hold it by the strings/elastic and place the mask in a container reserved for washing the cloth mask.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and dry before doing anything else.
• Wash cloth masks with warm soapy water and iron when dry.
• You must have at least two cloth masks per person so you will be able to wash one and have a clean one ready for use.

To eliminate all traces of the virus on your hands, a quick scrub and a rinse won’t cut it.
Below is a step-by-step process for effective handwashing:

Step 1: Wet hands with running water
Step 2: Apply enough soap to cover wet hands Step 3: Scrub all surfaces of the hands – including back of hands, between fingers and under nails – for at least 20 seconds.
Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with running water
Step 5: Dry hands with a clean cloth or single-usetowel

Quarantine applies to anyone who was in close contact with a person infected with coronavirus and is not yet showing symptoms of infection.

Isolation is reserved for those who are already sick and/or have tested positive for COVID-19 infections, but do not require hospital admission for medical care.