COVID-19 Vaccine Booklet

What is Coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus. ‘CO’ stands for corona, ‘VI’ for virus, and ‘D’ for disease. The COVID-19 virus is a new virus linked to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and some types of common cold.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms can include mainly: Fever, cough and shortness of breath In more severe cases, infection can cause: Pneumonia or breathing difficulties

How does COVID-19 spread?

The virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated through coughing and sneezing). Individuals can also be infected from and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and touching their face (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth).

Why should I wear a mask?

When a person infected with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or talks, they produce respiratory droplets that can travel about two metres and can land in the mouths or noses of those nearby, infecting others with the virus. COVID-19 can also be spread by people who don’t know they have the virus since they aren’t experiencing any symptoms. Because of this, wearing masks can help slow the spread of the virus.

EIGHT steps to using your face mask correctly

It is very important that cloth masks are used correctly. Incorrect use might result in users putting themselves at risk of spreading Covid-19.

• Only use a mask that has been washed and ironed.
• Wash your hands before putting the mask on and ensure that it covers both your nose and mouth properly.
• Make sure it fits well. Move it around to get the best fit. Never touch the cloth part.
• Once you have put on the mask, DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE again until you take it off.
• When you take it off, undo the ties, and carefully fold the mask inside out, hold it by the strings/elastic and place the mask in a container reserved for washing the cloth mask.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and dry before doing anything else.
• Wash cloth masks with warm soapy water and iron when dry.
• You must have at least two cloth masks per person so you will be able to wash one and have a clean one ready for use.

How do I keep my hands clean?

To eliminate all traces of the virus on your hands, a quick scrub and a rinse won’t cut it. Below is a step-by-step process for effective handwashing:

Step 1: Wet hands with running water

Step 2: Apply enough soap to cover wet hands

Step 3: Scrub all surfaces of the hands – including back of hands, between fingers and under nails – for at least 20 seconds.

Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with running water Step 5: Dry hands with a clean cloth or single-use towel

What must I keep a distance between other people?

COVID-19 can spread through coughing, sneezing and close contact. By minimizing the amount of close contact we have with others, we reduce our chances of catching the virus and spreading it to our loved ones and within our community. This is why we should remain at least 1.5 metres away from other people.