Coronavirus Explained: How do I protect myself? - BBC News

Summary

This video covers key preventative measures to minimize the spread of coronavirus. It emphasizes frequent hand washing, avoiding touching your face, and catching coughs or sneezes properly. The experts discuss the effectiveness of hand sanitizers, masks, and social distancing, particularly advising against the general use of masks unless symptomatic. They also tackle common myths and misinformation about the virus's origins and treatments, urging viewers to rely on credible sources like the WHO and CDC for accurate guidance.

Takeaways

• 🧼 Wash your hands frequently to reduce the spread of the virus, especially after being in public places.
• 🚫 Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to minimize the chance of the virus entering your body.
• 🤧 Catch coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues, then discard them and wash your hands.
• 💪 If no tissues are available, sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow instead of using your hands.
• ⏲️ Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, covering all parts of your hands, wrists, and fingers.
• 🧴 Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water aren’t available, but soap and water are preferred.
• 👶 Children are less likely to get infected, but they should still wash their hands regularly and avoid touching surfaces.
• 😷 Masks are not recommended for the general public to prevent infection unless you are symptomatic.
• 🦇 Misinformation about the virus spreading from a lab or bat soup has been debunked, as it likely came from wildlife in Wuhan.
• 📲 Reliable information should come from trusted sources like the WHO, CDC, or BBC, not from social media or unverified reports.

Q & A

What is the most effective way to prevent the spread of coronavirus according to the script?

Washing your hands regularly with soap and water is the most effective way to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Antibacterial gels also work, but soap and water are preferred.

Why should you avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth?

Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth is important because this is how the virus can enter your body. If you must touch your face, make sure to wash your hands first.

What should you do when sneezing or coughing to reduce the spread of coronavirus?

You should catch sneezes and coughs in disposable tissues and then throw the tissues away and wash your hands. If a tissue isn’t available, sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow.

How long should you wash your hands for effective cleaning?

You should wash your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds to ensure good coverage and cleaning.

How often should you wash your hands during the day?

You should wash your hands as often as possible, especially after touching surfaces in public places or before touching your face or eating.

What percentage of alcohol should be in hand sanitizers for them to be effective?

Hand sanitizers should contain at least 60% alcohol, with many containing 70% or more for effectiveness.

Are masks effective in preventing the general public from catching coronavirus?

According to the script, masks are not recommended for the general public to prevent infection. They are mainly used by healthcare workers or people showing symptoms to prevent the spread of droplets.

What is the current understanding of how coronavirus affects children?

Early studies suggest that children are at a lower risk of contracting coronavirus, with only about 1% of infections occurring in people under 20. However, it is still important for children to practice good hygiene.

What are some common misconceptions or misinformation about coronavirus?

Some common misinformation includes the false idea that the virus was created in a Chinese lab or that eating certain foods like garlic can cure the virus. These claims have been debunked by experts.

What are the recommended sources for accurate information on coronavirus?

The recommended sources for accurate information are the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the WHO (World Health Organization), and trusted news outlets like the BBC.