COVID 19

What You Should Know

Symptoms

If you or anyone you know experiences any of the symptoms below, please notify a member of the staff, isolate yourself for at least 14 days and contact a healthcare provider.

Serious Symptoms Most Common Symptoms Less Common Symptoms
difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath fever aches and pains
chest pain or pressure dry cough sore throat
loss of speech or movement tiredness diarrhea
conjunctivitis
headache
loss of taste or smell
a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes

Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms. Always call before visiting your doctor or health facility.
People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home.
On average, it takes 5–6 days for someone to show symptoms from the moment (s)he is infected with the virus. However, it can take up to 14 days.

For further information, please visit the following reputable websites:

https://www.moh.gov.cy/moh/moh.nsf/All/0D5A0919CACA4BF8C225851B003E098C

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/

https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1

You can also call the helpline 1420.

Know How It Spreads

  • There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus COVID-19.
  • The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
  • The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person:
    – between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 2 metres);
    – through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks (these droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs); or,
    – by people who are not showing symptoms as suggested by some recent studies.

Everyone Should

  • Wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • Especially wash:
    – before eating or preparing food;
    – before touching their face;
    – after using the restroom;
    – after leaving a public place;
    – after blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing;
    – after handling their cloth face covering;
    – after changing a diaper;
    – after caring for someone sick; and
    – after touching animals or pets.
  • Use a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not readily available. Cover all surfaces of their hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Outside Your Home

  • Keep a 2-metre distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household. Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
  • Choose to wear a face mask where possible while still maintaining a 2-metre distance from others.
  • Wash and sanitise your hands at regular intervals.
  • DO NOT touch your face.

Remember

  • You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
  • The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
  • Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow and do not spit.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

Be Alert for Symptoms

  • Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19. Especially important If you are running essential errands, going into the office or workplace, and in settings where it may be difficult to keep a physical distance of 2 meters.