[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Grassroots Newspaper Publishers Network , has advised the general public to adhere to personal hygiene and other health guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the state.
Chief Duke Okirika, the National President, gave the advice at an awareness programme on Coronavirus in Sapele market on Saturday in Delta State.
Okirika stressed the need for usage of hands sanitisers to contain the spread of the virus in the state. According to him, coronavirus can be prevented through regular washing of hands with soap, distancing of oneself from sick people, avoid crowds, make sure you and the people around you take serious good hands hygiene and clean the floors and surfaces with bleach.
He described coronavirus as a family of viruses that causes illness in humans ranging from mild to critical.
“In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections. The most recently discovered coronavirus is codenamed COVID-19.
“The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, dry cough, congested chest and difficulty in breathing at night. Once you have these symptoms, please visit the hospital.
“The symptoms are usually mild and begins gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell.
“Most people (about 80 percent) recover from the disease without needing special treatment,’’ she said.
Okirika said that older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness.
“About two per cent of people with the disease have died and mostly in China. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.
“The virus is not yet in Delta and there is no need for panic but our hygiene must be taken seriously,” he said.
He said Grassroots Publishers was committed to ensuring improvement in the standard of healthcare in Nigeria.
“Grassroots Publishers would visit at least 12 states to create awareness about any current health challenge in Nigeria.