What Students Can Do to Stay Safe From COVID-19

What Students Can Do to Stay Safe From COVID-19

Covid-19, currently the most talked about topic in the world, is not only popular because it’s a new epidemic, but it is also drastically altering major routines and norms globally. This includes economy, travel, and other spheres of interaction.

There are still several individuals around the world who have no idea or little knowledge of what Covid-19 is or how to stay safe.

Known medically as Corona Virus (CoV), Covid-19 are a big family of deadly viruses that cause illnesses such as common colds, pneumonia, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV), Middle East and Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV).

These families of viruses are transmitted from animals to humans, meaning they are zoonotic.

Investigations show that sub-viruses of Covid-19, such as SARS and MERS, are transmitted from animals such as cars and camels.

Covid-19 was first discovered in 2019, but in animals and not humans, as is the case today. Common symptoms of Corona Virus (CoV) include:

• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Respiratory symptoms
• Difficulty in breathing

Severe cases of Covid-19 develop into fatal illnesses such as pneumonia, kidney failure, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and finally, death.

While there seems to be global unrest due to this widespread virus, especially in countries with inadequate healthcare systems, there are safety measures to engage individually and collectively as students in Nigeria.

It may be worrying that your favorite celebrity figures may have contracted the virus, but you can stay safe from the virus if you observe these precautions.

1. Adjust or postpone large events or gatherings.

2. Practice excellent hygiene.

3. Be careful when handling food.

4. Stay at home if sick.

One of the major causes of Covid-19 today is large crowd-magnets such as football games, conferences, airports, and other social activities.

It is a good idea for your school to rearrange or postpone events or activities that require students at all levels to mix.

If this can’t be rescheduled, then such activities should take place in open, well-ventilated spaces.

Avoid over-crowded places at all times.

Ensure to practice very good hygiene. Now is not the time to wipe your face on your sleeve or pull on that dirty sock from the laundry.

Covid-19 can be transmitted through contact from the hands to parts of the face, such as eyes, nose, or mouth.

This means handshakes and other regular physical contact need to be reduced.

You and your friends can develop other ways of greeting and saying hello to each other in and out of school.

Your school should also create reminders to keep students from coughing/sneezing without covering their mouths or touching their faces.

Surfaces in the school should also be regularly disinfected. These include handrails, tables, door handles, desks, etc.

Lastly, limit food sharing and increase hygiene at the cafeteria or before eating. Always wash your hands. Skip school if you feel sick or you have a family member who is ill.

Face masks are optional but always stay safe and aware.