Koronovios: The Announcement - Press release of the Ministry of Health with instructions to the citizens

As the number of confirmed cases of Coronavirus is constantly increasing in our country and worldwide, it is good to pay attention to the instructions of the Ministry of Health, but especially to the instructions of personal hygiene.

Τthe Ministry of Health even through Independent Public Revenue Authority (AADE), proceeded to send informative e-mails, to inform the citizens about him COVID-19 and ways to protect them.

We quote below the original mail that came to us, so that you can be informed immediately by the Ministry of Health about what really applies to the new virus, so we can avoid panic and protect ourselves from them Fake news which have reached epidemic proportions in almost all Social Media.

The text is in the form of questions - answers for easier understanding… 

Dear Lady / Dear Sir,

This email is sent by Independent Public Revenue Authority (AADE), on behalf of the Ministry of Health, for your information.

Greek Republic
Ministry of Health

Update

What is COVID-19 and what is SARS – CoV-2?
The new coronavirus-2019 is now called SARS-CoV-2, while the disease it causes is called COVID-19. The virus was first detected in December 2019 in the Yuhan region of China and has since spread to more than 60 countries around the world. It is a new strain of coronavirus that until then had not been isolated in humans.

How is the virus transmitted?
Although the virus comes from animals, it is transmitted from person to person. Transmission is thought to be mainly through the respiratory tract with droplets from sneezing, coughing or exhalation.

When is a case of the disease considered more contagious?
An incident is considered more contagious when it shows symptoms, but it could also be contagious in the asymptomatic phase. We do not know the percentage of asymptomatic cases, nor the exact role they play in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, but it is likely to be less than that of the symptomatic cases of the disease.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19 infection?
The main symptoms of the disease include the following: Fever, cough, sore throat, arthralgia, myalgias, discharge and difficulty breathing.

How many patients have a serious illness?
Most patients develop a mild illness. In the event of a more serious illness, the patient may develop severe pneumonia and need hospitalization.

Which people are most at risk?
People in a high-risk group (eg, the elderly, heart patients, people with diabetes, liver disease or lung disease) are more likely to develop a serious illness.

When should one be tested for COVID-19?
If it has:
Acute respiratory infection (sudden onset of illness, with at least one of the following symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath), with or without hospitalization
AND
At least a by the following epidemiological criteria, within the last 14 days before the onset of symptoms:

• Close contact with a possible or confirmed case of the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, or
• Travel history in SARS-CoV-2 affected areas based on current epidemiological data.

Any suspicious cases should be reported IMMEDIATELY in a laboratory test for the virus SARS-CoV-2.
In this case, direct communication with him is recommended EODY tel: 210.52.12.054 and not a visit to a place of provision of health services without prior notification of EODY.

For more information see website: https://eody.gov.gr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2019-ncov-orismos-kroysmatos-2.pdf

In which parts of the world is there a spread in the community?
China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Iran and Italy (Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Piedmont and Veneto).

In which European countries have COVID-19 cases occurred?
According to ECDC data (Situation update worldwide, March 1, 2020) cases have been reported in 29 European countries, with 4 provinces of Northern Italy having continuous transmission to the community. In Greece, 7 cases have been recorded so far, all with a history of travel to the affected areas / provinces of Italy.

Why is the number of cases increasing so fast?
The two main reasons for the rapid increase in the number of cases are that the virus is transmitted from person to person and that its detectability has improved.

What does it mean to have come in contact with the virus?
"Contact", in the case of COVID-19, is a person who has no symptoms and may have come into contact with a case of a sick or asymptomatic person from COVID-19. The risk of infection depends on the degree of exposure to the virus and to determine it requires a specific investigation by EODY staff.

How can I protect myself from COVID-19?
General preventive measures against the spread of respiratory viruses, including the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, in the environment of the training units are listed below:

Personal hygiene instructions:

• Staying at home and refraining from attending classes or work of any person showing symptoms of a respiratory infection
• Avoid close contact, if possible, with any person experiencing respiratory symptoms, such as coughing or sneezing. This is especially true for people who belong to vulnerable groups.
• Avoid hand contact with eyes, nose and mouth to reduce the risk of infection.
• In case of cough or sneezing, cover the nose and mouth with the sleeve at elbow height or with a tissue, discard the used tissue in the trash and wash hands thoroughly.
• Regular and thorough hand washing with liquid soap and water, for at least 20 '', before eating and after visiting the toilet, and careful hand drying with disposable paper towels and discarding them in the trash.
• Alternatively to hand washing, a good hand rub with antiseptic alcohol solution or alcohol wipes can be applied.

What should I do if I have close contact with someone I suspect has COVID-19?
Contact EODY at tel: 210.52.12.054 and do not visit a health care facility without prior notification to EODY.

Can the mask effectively protect me from COVID-19?
The use of a mask prevents the transmission of the disease from those who are sick to others. The mask is used to protect health professionals and its use is not recommended in the healthy population.

Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?
There is currently no vaccine available for COVID-19, so early diagnosis and implementation of measures to prevent the spread of the disease is very important. Several pharmaceutical companies are working to make a vaccine.

For more information you can visit the EODY website www.eody.gov.gr