AMS Global: COVID-19 General Guidelines (Philippines)

AMS Global: COVID19 General Guidelines

Wherever you are, whatever you do, you are prone to the health risk imposed by the virus which caused the ongoing pandemic. Amidst quarantines and lockdowns, how do you keep yourself and your loved-ones safe?

In this article, we have compiled all the necessary measures you need to take in order to protect ourselves and those who are most vulnerable. Here is everything you need to know about COVID-19.

Previously known as NCov, an acronym for Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 19) is a newly identified strain of corona viruses which ultimately targets the respiratory system of those infected. It is commonly associated with severe diseases such as MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).

The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose and mouth when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease and people can develop mild to moderate symptoms.
Symptoms include:

Fever
Cough
Colds
Sore throat
Body pains
Diarrhoea
Difficulty in breathing

If you are expressing difficulty breathing, seek urgent medical attention.

The chances of acquiring the virus is very likely if:

You have been in a place or country with high risk (China, Korea, Japan, Italy or Iran)
Had physical or close contact with a person who has contracted the disease
You have been exposed due to nature of work (health worker, military, grocery workers)

Furthermore, people who are most vulnerable to the disease are:

Immuno-compromised Individuals
Elderly people
People with respiratory illnesses
People with chronic illnesses
People with underlying illnesses
People in detention and rehabilitation facilities
People exposed due to their nature of work (health workers, military, grocery workers, etc. )

In order to protect ourselves and the people around us, we need to strictly follow the necessary guidelines such as maintaining proper hygiene and social distancing.

It’s not that hard, but it requires twice, or even thrice of our usual efforts to stay clean and hygienic. To eliminate the spread of the virus, one must also practice proper hygiene such as:

Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Use a hand sanitizer with at least 70% ethyl alcohol
Disinfect every surface that you touch often (Mobile phones, tables, laptops, etc.)
Avoid covering your face with your hands when you cough. Use your elbows instead.
In case you are feeling sick, use a surgical mask to avoid infecting others

We don’t have to isolate completely from the people we love, unless one has been in close contact with a PUI or PUM, and/or is feeling sick.

What we do need, however, is to practice social distancing in the household, workplace, and in schools.

Avoid shaking hands.
Avoid greeting people through physical contact. (Shaking hands, hugging, touching)
Avoid going out of the comfort of your own homes unless necessary.
Limit social gatherings. If it can’t be helped, do it online instead!
Avoid sharing of food, plates and utensils.
Keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters from each other. (This does not mean we hate each other, though!)

If ever you experience the symptoms mentioned above, self-isolation is one way of protecting yourself and the people you care about.

If you think you have contracted the disease and is showing symptoms, do not panic.
Here are the hotlines you need to keep in mind.

DOH COVID 19 HOTLINE

(02) 894-COVID (26843)

For PLDT, Smart, SUN, and TNT:
1555

Due to the influx of calls and limited availability of COVID test kits in the Philippines, DOH can only accommodate those who are showing serious symptoms of the said disease. However, elderly people, Immuno-compromised individuals, and those who have underlying illnesses will be prioritised regardless of the severity of their symptoms.

If you are getting tested for COVID-19, you will be placed under 2 classifications:

PUI (Person under investigation) and PUM (Person under monitoring)

Person under Investigation (PUI)

You will be classified as PUI if you have a history of either two or all of the following:

Travel in the past 14 days to places with local transmission cases
Exposure to a person with a confirmed case
Symptoms of respiratory illness (fever, cough, colds, difficulty breathing)

(Note: A PUI can only get tested if they express serious symptoms unless identified as part of the exemption i.e. elderly, people with underlying illness)

Person under Monitoring (PUM)

PUMs are individuals who were exposed to a person with a confirmed case, and/ or has a history of travel within 14 days. PUMs are strictly advised to practice self-isolation at home.

IS THERE ANY CURE ?

Scientists from all over the world are working nonstop to find a solution as soon as possible. But as of this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments available for COVID-19. Many clinical trials are still ongoing to evaluate potential treatments.