Combating coronavirus requires resources and commitment

26He said, “If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.” Exodus 15:26

 World Health Organisation this week called the coronavirus (also known as Covid-19) a pandemic, as 122 000 have been infected with over 100 countries having people that tested positive for the virus. The virus causes respiratory illness with flu-like symptom manifestation. Experts say the virus passed from human to human, can survive in the air for a few hours but as long as three days on hard surfaces.

Countries around the world, including China have taken steps to fight the pandemic, numerous sectors are being hit hard and for economic sectors such as the travel industry, the losses are estimated at about $113 billion.

For example, on Wednesday the United States (US) banned travel to China and some European countries. Various US sporting organisations like the NBA, has suspended the basketball season until further notice. Churches are also closing for the time being.

In Malawi, President Peter Mutharika appointed a Cabinet committee to oversee the management of the disease in the country. However, my friend recounted what she encountered when she returned from the Philippines. She said the coronavirus checks at the airport are going professionally.

So we are getting it right, slowly. And oh, yes, there are radio announcements about the coronavirus, and all suspected exposed people are sent home to self-isolation and monitored.

South Korea has been testing 10 000 people per day. In Israel, all people flying into the country are instantly quarantined. But it is the Philippines that win the lion’s share award for great intervention measures:

My brother told me that at the conference he was attending, there were hand sanitisers at the door. As they went into or left the room, they used the sanitisers.

“It was not only at the conference facilities, but also all the shops and public premises, we found either hand sanitisers or the towelettes for people to use before they enter and leave.

These are social responsibilities for these commercial entities and playing a major role in protecting the people and the business owners.

In January, the Chinese pulmonologist who discovered the SARS coronavirus in 2003, Zhong Nanshan, issued an advisory that has not reached the ears of the managers of the pandemic.

He said in the statement: “My only intention is to pass on information that could help you.  In this case it is a simple procedure that kills this virus that continues to infect thousands of people in many countries.

 Zhong suggested simple ways to prevent the Wuhan pneumonia through rinsing your throat by gargling with saltwater before going to a hospital or other public places. He says this should be repeated after returning home.  He advises as follows:

 a) Gargle with warm saltwater diluted in a glass.

 b) Lift head back; letting the saltwater bathe the back area of the throat.

 c) Open your mouth slightly and gargle with saltwater.

d) Spit out the saltwater after a few seconds.

 e) Repeat the process 3 to 5 times.

Zhong said because viruses or bacteria lurk in the pharynx through the nasal passage, diluted saltwater can kill them on the spot, thus achieving the purpose of preventing infection.  During the SARS, he recalls that he encouraged and supervised his students to follow the saltwater gargle steps.

“As a result, none of our students in our class had a cold, cough and fever,” Zhong said.

“This method is simple, effective, easy to do.  But it requires one has to be constant.”

 Stay healthy stay well.