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Staying Safe and Preventing Infection Amid Fears of the Spreading Virus<\/h3>\n
With the rise in COVID-19 cases, it is important that employers and employees take the necessary precautions to keep the workplace safe during this time. <\/p>\n
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Understanding What a Virus Is<\/h3>\n
A virus is a microscopic particle that can infect the cells of a biological organism.. So tiny that it is impossible to see with the naked eye. It consists of genetic material contained within a protective protein coat.<\/p>\n
A virus needs another living organism to survive. Viruses cannot reproduce on their own and need to infect a host cell to survive. Therefore, they need humans, animals and even other bacteria to live.<\/p>\n
A virus only starts becoming active when they encounter other living cells. Once they do, they hijack these cells and attempt to create even more viruses. The coronavirus,<\/em> in this case, are a group of virus that only infect and attack mammals, including humans. The name coronavirus<\/em> is given because of the crown-like spikey appearance these viruses have on the surface.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As of now, scientists have identified at least seven classifications of coronaviruses <\/em>that infect humans. Out of the seven, four of these viruses generally cause mild to moderate symptoms that affect the upper respiratory tract. Usually, the infection manifests as a common cold. The remaining three viruses, however, have more severe consequences.<\/p>\n The first virus, classified as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars)<\/em> killed nearly 800 people across 32 countries. This happened about 17 years ago. The second virus was reported in 2012 in Saudi Arabia. It was known as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (Mers-CoV). <\/em>The virus later spread further than the Middle East. In 2019, the COVID-19 (nCoV) started in the city of Wuhan, China. Hence the name, COVID-19.<\/p>\n Scientists are speculating that the current strain of COVID-19 evolved from the coronavirus<\/em> strains that only affected animals prior to this, much like the Sars and Mers viruses did. Coronaviruses<\/em> typically contain a single strand of RNA, which is a genetic material that is easily mutated and copied compared to a human\u2019s double-stranded DNA. This explains why the viruses are so viral.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It is suspected that the outbreak of the virus is linked closely to Wuhan\u2019s Huanan Seafood Market. This market reportedly sold live animals and animal parts in addition to seafood. Scientists explained that when animals are brought in close proximity with humans and housed in poor living conditions, the virus hops between humans and animals. Because of the mutation, the viruses can affect and eventually spread among humans. Speculations link the origin of the virus to bats, with some suggesting potential links to snakes. <\/p>\n It is believed that the virus spreads through the air the way the common flu does. When a healthy person encounters an infected person, the healthy person is at risk. As of now, virologists believe that the COVID-19 is going to be as infectious as the Sars was, although the strain of virus is different. Researchers claim that the COVID-19 only shares 76% genetic material that is like the Sars.<\/p>\n The current deaths related to the virus are reported 2%. This means that two out of every 100 people infected die. However, there is concern that the number of infections are under-reported, especially when the symptoms are easily mistaken for flu.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Yes, there is a cause for concern when a virus is potentially life threatening. While the government has taken active measures to control the outbreak, the public, employers and companies alike should be vigilant themselves, to protect your homes and workplaces. Especially when it comes to good hygiene habits. If at any point you feel unwell, the safest thing to do is always consult a doctor and to stay at home to avoid infecting others. Unfortunately, a flu jab is not going to protect you from the virus.<\/p>\n If you need to go out in public, you should wear a surgical mask to minimise the possibility of infecting others. A surgical mask will suffice as the N95 masks can be rather difficult to breathe in. The Ministry of Health (MOH) Singapore is advising all Singaporeans and those living in Singapore to avoid traveling to Wuhan at this time. In fact, avoid traveling to China altogether for the time being, as there have been confirmed cases of the virus spreading beyond Wuhan. Cases have been reported in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangdong and Tianjin.<\/p>\n For those already traveling in China, the MOH is advising that you exercise caution and to be vigilant about personal hygiene. Upon your return to Singapore, the MOH advises all travellers to monitor their health closely for at least two weeks. Should any symptoms arise, seek medical help immediately. Singapore is doing what it can to step up precautionary measures and screening all travellers arriving from China.<\/p>\n Infographic from Ministry of Health:<\/p>\n <\/p>\nThe Coronavirus<\/em><\/h3>\n
Origins of the COVID-19<\/h3>\n
Is There Cause for Concern?<\/h3>\n
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