The Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov) outbreak shook the world to its core. The epicenter of the outbreak, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, Central China Hubei is experiencing mass exodus of locals and immigrants going to neighboring cities or worse, flying to nearby countries, for their health and safety.  
 
With a global standing of more than 24,300 cases in 25 countries as reported in BBC, new cases are yet still to be accounted for. And this cause extreme stress for everyone, especially those whose jobs are on the front line (medical team, airport personnel, OFWs). 
 
While World Health Organization (WHO) has issued numerous bulletins on travel advisory, new cases, and health tips, you can help stop spreading the virus by doing your part. Coronavirus may be classified as a large group of viruses, but in health and solidarity, humans are larger than life. No virus is going to stop OFWs from working and providing for their family.
 
With no signs of slowing down, and new cases unfolding daily, how can you safeguard yourself from the Coronavirus? Prevention is better than cure. Listed below are common healthcare tips that should not be taken lightly. These will go a long way.
  1. Wash your hands frequently
    The principal rule never fails. Washing hands is a good way to cleanse yourself from any surface you touched. It is highly recommended to wash your hands especially before eating, after coughing or sneezing, and after doing other task to prevent viruses from entering your system. Always carry with you a tub of alcohol or sanitizer in case soap and water is not readily available.
     
  2. Drink lots of fluid
    It is vital to keep yourself hydrated at all cost in order to prevent the virus from sticking to your throat and nasal airways. Drinking lots of water help flush out harmful toxins from your immune system, as well as aid in fighting off colds, flu, among other common-type illnesses.
     
  3. Avoid touching open wounds, eyes, mouth, ears, nose
    In order to prevent spreading dirt and bacteria you may have accumulated from touching surface areas, keep your hands away from making contact on any body parts with open passageways. This is so that that the virus cannot enter and compromise your immune system.
     
  4. Keep social distance of at least three feet
    A crowded area is a breeding ground of germs, bacteria, and viruses of various kinds that can be easily transmitted through close body contact. If it can’t be helped, cover your nose and mouth when somebody else sneezes or when you are about to sneeze to prevent viruses circulating the air.
     
  5. Practice proper hygiene
    Viruses doesn’t thrive in damp, dirty areas. Invest in quality household items such as cleaning detergents, air disinfectants and keep your living quarters are spick and span.

    Take care of yourself as well and practice proper hygiene by taking a bath daily, and always keep your tissues, hand sanitizers and/or alcohol, and other hygienic products that will help you stay clean.
     
  6. Get proper rest and stock up on emergency kit
    All of the aforementioned efforts are futile if you forget to take care of yourself. Make sure that you get quality sleep every day. If you have to keep flu-like symptoms at bay, getting a good night’s snooze of 6-8 hours is a good start. 

    Always make sure that you have an emergency kit handy in your home which includes vitamins, food, water and first-aid medical kit in case grocery stocks in the market on these items run out because of high demand.