COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
- What is COVID-19?
Ans: COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered
coronavirus. It began in China in December 2019 but has now spread to involve many
countries in all continents of the world. - What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Ans: The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some
patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhoea.
These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but
don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from
the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets
COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those
with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are
more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing
should seek medical attention. - How does COVID-19 spread?
Ans: COVID-19 can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or
mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or sneezes. These droplets
land on objects and surfaces around the person such as desks, telephones or door handles.
The disease can be spread to others when they touch these contaminated objects or surfaces,
and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also get infected by breathing in
droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out, sneezes or exhales droplets. This
is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick. - What can I do to avoid becoming infected?
Ans: To reduce the risk of infection or spread of COVID-19, members of the public are
advised to adhere to the following hand and respiratory hygiene measures:
• Keep a social distance of at least 2 metres while in public and avoid large gatherings
and crowded places
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and running water or use an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer
• Cover your mouth and nose properly with tissue paper when sneezing and/or
coughing and immediately dispose of the tissue in a covered waste bin. After this,
wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• You may also cough into your bent elbow if disposable tissue is not available. You
are advised not to re-use handkerchiefs.
• When opening doors, use your elbows or your non-dominant hand
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as
sneezing and coughing.
• If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical
attention
