The director general gave a really good speech on Friday, and I am sharing it here, to help people have more courage in what are going to be difficult times.

Up until March 20th, the WHO said this is the first pandemic we can stop.

Now the WHO say that Wuhan has its first day with no cases which shows the world that even the most severe situation can be turned around.

They are particularly concerned about the effects if it reaches vulnerable populations of malnourished children and people with AIDS which is endemic in parts of sub Saharan Africa.

He says however none of this is inevitable. This is the first pandemic in history where we have the power to change the way it goes.

He then ended with some encouraging advice to help prepare people for the situation we are in where many of us are going to need to spend more time physically alone. However we are together in other ways over the internet through modern technology.

In the questions and answers they talked about how they call this physical distancing now rather than social distancing because we can still socialize online and with modern technology.

(Depending on where you live and the local advice you may be advised to reduce physical interactions with others to a minimum - I am living in one such region myself)

The transcriptions for the Q/A are not ready yet.

Here is a rewrite of the main points in his speech to help some of the autistic people I help, who need things put in a more direct fashion sometimes and get confused by indirect and alusive speech. I also will add some asides to help if needs be.

The speech itself follows after.

This is another article I'm writing to support people we help in the Facebook Doomsday Debunked group, that find us because they get scared, sometimes to the point of feeling suicidal about it, by such stories.

Please share with friends if it helps you - they may be panicking too.

Every death is a tragedy. At 200,000 cases and 9,000 deaths, every death is a motivation to double down and do everything we can to stop transmission and save lives.

Wuhan had no cases yesterday. Wuhan provides hope for the rest of the world, that even the most severe situation can be turned around.

Of course we need caution - it could start up again in China. However, the experience of cities and countries that have pushed back this virus give hope and courage to the rest of the world.

We have learnt that though this virus hits oldest people most of all, young people are not invincible. This virus could put you in hospital for weeks, or even kill you.

[Aside: He is saying this not to scare you, but to try to get young people to take this more seriously - there are young people in America particularly who are just ignoring instructions to try to limit the spread of COVID-19 and he is doing this to get their attention - if you are young you still need to follow the instructions to keep yourself and everyone else safe

See also my How To Protect Yourself From COVID-19 - And Help Stop The Spread - If Everyone Did This The Epidemic Would Soon Stop]

Also if you are young, even if you don't get very sick, the choices you make about where you go could be the difference between life and death for someone else.

I am grateful to young people who are spreading the word rather than the virus. Solidarity is the key to defeating COVID-19 - solidarity between countries, but also between age groups.

Our greatest concern is the impact this virus could have if it gains a foothold in countries with weaker health systems, or with vulnerable populations.

[Aside: by vulnerable people here, he is talking about, for instance, refugee camps, or countries with malnourished children, also in sub-Saharan Africa there are many people who have AIDS which weakens your immune system and would make you more vulnerable to COVID-19 - I know this from previous press briefings]

This concern is now very real and urgent.

If this disease takes hold in these countries, there could be significant sickness and loss of life.

However none of this is inevitable. This is the first pandemic in history where we have the power to change the way it goes.

The WHO have said this all along. Up to now they have been emphasizing that we can stop it. But today he didnt go as far as to say that. Instead he says we have the power to change the way it goes.

From the start of the speech, he also said that Wuhan shows that there is great promise and hope.

We can definitely still stop this. But as they have said in answers to questions, some countries are still not taking this seriously enough and a couple are no longer trying to contain the virus.

We are still in control, and we can for the first time in history change the way it goes.

The WHO has faced shortages of supplies of personal protective equipment for its warehouse in Dubai. Jack Ma and his foundation and Aliko Dangote have helped to provide essential supplies.

They have also found some producers in China who have agreed to supply WHO and they are in the middle of finalizing arrangements to refill their warehouse so that they can supply personal protection equipment to whoever needs it most.

They are also working on ways to increase the number of diagnostic tests available.

Kuwait has contributed 40 million U.S. dollars to the WHO global response to COVID-19.

WHO have updated their guidelines to companies. They also advise individuals.

For many people, life is changing dramatically

[Aside: The Director General now gives lots of good advice for people who are learning to live in these new conditions.]

My family is no different my daughter is now taking her classes online from home because her school is closed.

During this difficult time, its important to continue looking after your physical and mental health. This will not only help you in the long-term, it will also help you fight COVID-19 if you get it.

If your local or national guidelines allow it, go outside for a walk, a run or a ride, and keep a safe distance from others. If you cant leave the house, find an exercise video online, dance to music, do some yoga, or walk up and down the stairs.

If youre working at home, make sure you dont sit in the same position for long periods. Get up and take a 3-minute break every 30 minutes.

We will be providing more advice on how to stay healthy at home in the coming days and weeks.

Supporting other people in your community can help you as much as it does them. Check in on neighbours, family and friends. Compassion is a medicine.

Listen to music, read a book or play a game.

And try not to read or watch too much news if it makes you anxious. Get your information from reliable sources once or twice a day.

To increase access to reliable information, WHO has worked with WhatsApp and Facebook to launch a new WHO Health Alert messaging service.

This service will provide the latest news and information on COVID-19, including details on symptoms and how to protect yourself.

The Health Alert service is now available in English and will be introduced in other languages next week.

To access it, send the word "hi" to the following number on WhatsApp: +41 798 931 892. We will make this information available on our website later today.

COVID-19 is taking so much from us. But its also giving us something special the opportunity to come together as one humanity to work together, to learn together, to grow together.

Good morning, good afternoon and good evening, wherever you are.

Every day, COVID-19 seems to reach a new and tragic milestone.

More than 210,000 cases have now been reported to WHO, and more than 9,000 people have lost their lives.

Every loss of life is a tragedy. Its also motivation to double down and do everything we can to stop transmission and save lives.

We also need to celebrate our successes. Yesterday, Wuhan reported no new cases for the first time since the outbreak started.

Wuhan provides hope for the rest of the world, that even the most severe situation can be turned around.

Of course, we must exercise caution the situation can reverse. But the experience of cities and countries that have pushed back this virus give hope and courage to the rest of the world.

Every day, we are learning more about this virus and the disease it causes.

One of the things we are learning is that although older people are the hardest hit, younger people are not spared.

Data from many countries clearly show that people under 50 make up a significant proportion of patients requiring hospitalization.

Today, I have a message for young people: you are not invincible. This virus could put you in hospital for weeks, or even kill you.

Even if you dont get sick, the choices you make about where you go could be the difference between life and death for someone else.

Im grateful that so many young people are spreading the word and not the virus.

As I keep saying, solidarity is the key to defeating COVID-19 - solidarity between countries, but also between age groups.

Thank you for heeding our call for solidarity, solidarity, solidarity.

===

Weve said from the beginning that our greatest concern is the impact this virus could have if it gains a foothold in countries with weaker health systems, or with vulnerable populations.

That concern has now become very real and urgent.

We know that if this disease takes hold in these countries, there could be significant sickness and loss of life.

But that is not inevitable. Unlike any pandemic in history, we have the power to change the way this goes.

WHO is working actively to support all countries, and especially those that need our support the most.

As you know, the collapse of the market for personal protective equipment has created extreme difficulties in ensuring health workers have access to the equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.

This is an area of key concern for us.

We have now identified some producers in China who have agreed to supply WHO.

Were currently finalizing the arrangements and coordinating shipments so we can refill our warehouse to ship PPE to whoever needs it most.

Our aim is to build a pipeline to ensure continuity of supply, with support from our partners, governments and the private sector. I am grateful to Jack Ma and his foundation as well as Aliko Dangote for their willingness to help provide essential supplies to countries in need.

To support our call to test every suspected case, we are also working hard to increase the global supply of diagnostic tests.

There are many companies globally that produce diagnostic kits, but WHO can only buy or recommend kits that have been evaluated independently, to ensure their quality.

So we have worked with FIND the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics to contract additional labs to evaluate new diagnostics.

In parallel, were working with companies to secure the supply and equitable distribution of these tests.

And were also working with companies to increase production of the other products needed to perform the tests, from the swabs used to take samples to the large machines needed to process them.

Were very grateful for the way the private sector has stepped up to lend its support to the global response.

Just in the past few days Ive spoken with the International Chamber of Commerce, with many CEOs through the World Economic Forum, and with the B20 group of business leaders from the G20 countries.

We understand the heavy financial toll this pandemic is taking on businesses and the global economy.

Were encouraged by the solidarity and generosity of business leaders to use their resources, experience and networks to improve the availability of supplies, communicate reliable information and protect their staff and customers.

And were also encouraged that countries around the world continue to support the global response. We thank Kuwait for its contribution of 40 million U.S. dollars.

In addition to increasing access to masks, gloves, gowns and tests, were also increasing access to the evidence-based technical guidance countries and health workers need to save lives.

WHO has published guidelines for health ministers, health system administrators, and other decision-makers, to help them provide life-saving treatment as health systems are challenged, without compromising the safety of health workers.

The guidelines detail actions all countries can take to provide care for patients, regardless of how many cases they have. They also outline specific actions to prepare health systems, according to each of the 4 Cs no cases, sporadic cases, clusters of cases, and community transmission.

These guidelines provide a wealth of practical information on screening and triage, referral, staff, supplies, standard of care, community engagement and more.

We encourage all countries to use these and the many other guidelines, which are all available on the WHO website.

But were not only advising countries. We also have advice for individuals around the world, especially those who are now adjusting to a new reality.

We know that for many people, life is changing dramatically.

My family is no different my daughter is now taking her classes online from home because her school is closed.

During this difficult time, its important to continue looking after your physical and mental health. This will not only help you in the long-term, it will also help you fight COVID-19 if you get it.

First, eat a health and nutritious diet, which helps your immune system to function properly.

Second, limit your alcohol consumption, and avoid sugary drinks.

Third, dont smoke. Smoking can increase your risk of developing severe disease if you become infected with COVID-19.

Fourth, exercise. WHO recommends 30 minutes of physical activity a say for adults, and one hour a day for children.

If your local or national guidelines allow it, go outside for a walk, a run or a ride, and keep a safe distance from others. If you cant leave the house, find an exercise video online, dance to music, do some yoga, or walk up and down the stairs.

Visit link:
WHO COVID19 Mar 20 - Message Of Courage And Hope In Difficult Times - First Pandemic In History With Power To Change Way It Goes - Science 2.0

This article is inThe Spectators April 2020 US edition.Subscribe here to get yours.

Since late last summer, Ive been experimenting with something pretty crazy. Its not drugs. Nor is it a trendy celebrity religion. Its meat. Like Jordan Peterson and other great apes, Im on the carnivore diet.

The carnivore diet is a lot simpler than keto, for example, which involves counting macronutrients. On carnivore, you merely refrain from eating anything that isnt an animal product. Beef, lamb, chicken, pork and seafood are all in, but vegetables, fruit and grains are out. Its reverse veganism, or the hunter-gatherer diet, but with more hunting and no gathering.

Apart from those who work at a zoo, most people know of the carnivore diet because of Peterson and his daughter Mikhaila. As the Petersons explained to Joe Rogan on his podcast, a meat-only diet had alleviated their chronic health issues. Rogan then tried the diet himself for a month. He lost weight, gained energy, experienced fewer aches and pains and even saw improvements in his vitiligo.

Ah, you might be thinking. So its a trendy celebrity diet youve been trying then. Gotcha.

I suppose thats fair enough. But celebrities are far from the only ones singing the praises of sinking your teeth into our foraging friends. Online carno-forums are growing like mushrooms (which I no longer eat). Reddits Zero Carb group apparently boasts more than 100,000 flesh-eating members.

Ive been on and off carnivore for about six months now. Ive had the same conversations over and over again with my friends and family about my apparently bizarre gustatory regimen. Im neither a doctor nor a nutritionist, so I cant help anyone there, but what I do know about is bathroom trouble and really good sleep. So theres that.

Why? Why would you do this? they ask, buttering another slice of toast.

For many people, the carnivore diet appeals for reasons of weight loss. White bread and potatoes are not part of the animal kingdom. While I have lost weight on the diet, that wasnt my reason for trying it. I was actually seeking relief from general health problems.

I wasnt always this way, but for the past few years Ive had almost no energy. I had trouble sleeping. I had an immune system so weak that I often referred to myself as Bubble Boy. Id come down with a cold or flu-like symptoms almost every month and was bedridden for at least three days each time.

I went to doctors and had all sorts of tests done, but nobody could explain what was wrong with me. Id heard about the carnivore diet from Peterson and was curious about it, but I finally decided to give it a try when a doctor told me to experiment with my diet because our microbiomes affect our general health .

Does it work? they ask, skeptically dipping a handful of French fries in ketchup.

I cant speak for anyone else but for me, the answer is a huge, resounding Yes! I started feeling different within the first week. My energy levels were off the charts. I had more concentration. I was falling asleep easier. I was waking up earlier than normal yet feeling more rested. After a few more weeks, I began to notice further changes. My runny nose was gone. I didnt feel as anxious as I usually did. And I stopped suffering those mysterious monthly illnesses. Im still no fitness model on Instagram, but I feel well enough to go to the gym now. This is a huge improvement.

Isnt that unhealthy? they ask, munching their kale.

I dont know whether Im technically healthy on a meat diet, but I know for certain that I feel healthier than I have in years. I actually feel like a 25-year-old (my actual age), rather than a middle-aged invalid who happens to have great skin.

I will get my blood tested for nutrient levels in the next few months, to check the long-term prospects of this diet. But frankly, regardless of what the tests say, I am not going back to the way I felt before. Health isnt just a bunch of numbers on a chart. Its also being able to live your life without feeling sick and tired all the time. Ill take 35 or 40 more years of feeling great over 50 more years of sickness, fatigue and anxiety.

Isnt it better to just eat a balanced diet? they wonder, eating pita chips and guacamole.

That depends on what you mean by better. I certainly didnt feel better when I was eating a balanced diet. Over the past six months, Ive relaxed the strict carnivore system and experimented with reintroducing certain food groups. I tried adding leafy greens into the mix for a week, and at one point I also embraced dairy. I even fell off the wagon for the holidays last year. My fall was broken by apple pie and mashed potatoes.

I wish it werent the case, but the more Ive strayed from the herd of carnivorous eaters, the worse Ive felt. I would love to eat bread, vegetables and fruit, and I do plan to keep experimenting with adding different items back into my diet. But the sad truth is that so far, whenever I reintroduce non-meat foods, even in small amounts, the more I start feeling like I used to. Which is terrifying.

Hows yourdigestion? the amateur bowel specialists ask.

This is by far the most common question I get about the carnivore diet. Is it because were taught that fiber (absent from animal products) is the be-all and end-all of our peristaltic movements? Or is it because the Petersons and Rogan shared with thousands of appalled listeners how starting carnivore caused tidal waves of diarrhea? Whatever the reason, everyone now knows that when you start carnivore, you get the runs.

Yes, I did go through a memorable and fluently productive transition period. As with most carnivores, the diarrhea lasted only about two weeks, like similar episodes in all-inclusive resorts in Mexico. Im now totally fine, and fully in control. Thanks for asking.

So, would you recommend trying the carnivore diet? they ask, despite the digestive transition.

You know what? No, I wouldnt. But not for the reasons you might think. Ive had great results with the carnivore diet, but if its taught me anything, its how differently diets can affect each of us. I felt terrible while I was eating healthy foods that make other people feel great. And even though I feel the best when eating only meat, I know vegans who say the same about their diets.

Im not telling anyone what to eat or not to eat. Experiment. Talk to your doctor. Find what works best for you. My only advice is that we should all be more mindful of how our diets affect our day-to-day wellbeing. Food is more important to health than we think. There may come a day when scientists create a brownie or Big Mac that helps our bodies run optimally. Sadly, that day is not today. Instead, I shall be eating smoked salmon, bone marrow and some grilled chicken breasts. It could be worse, and so could I.

This article is inThe Spectators April 2020 US edition.Subscribe here to get yours.

Link:
The carnivore confessions: I've never felt better than on my meat-only diet - The Spectator USA

This or that? A nutritionist shares the ideal lifestyle, and diet to follow during the coronavirus pandemic | Photo credits:  

New Delhi: Theres probably not even a child around who doesnt know about the coronavirus, how it spread, what the global and local rate of infection is, and now how to even combat it with Vitamin C and immunity drinks, the works!

I see everyone responsibly limiting social activity and containing themselves at home. Not without good reason as we know that social distancing is the call of the day.

But humans are humans while we sit at home either working or twiddling thumbs, not knowing what to do next or which movie to draw our attention to, there is a huge possibility to eat. We assume that the next 2 weeks may see us cutting ourselves off completely from each other looking at the faces of just our immediate family. Board games will fail, boredom if not already will set in and then the danger to the healthy lifestyle you have achieved may begin. In the face of the global crisis, this is a small problem and yet we could use this self-quarantine more effectively.

We have 2 options

Option 1

Circadian cycle slip. After working from home and navigating work stress for the day, allowing yourself to keep awake at night playing games or watching shows. Anyway, you dont have to drive to work the next day, so you could sleep in a little more the next morning. You could bite into that pie called binge-watching. Its okay.

Eat for now. To give ourselves the leeway to eat for just this period, any way you are at home and relaxing, spending time with family and so, its okay to eat. Just for now. Just for these 2 weeks. Its okay.

No workouts. Gyms, swimming pools and group classes have all been annulled. Well, you have been exercising regularly, so the possibility is high that you give yourself a break from exercise too. Its okay.

Daily alcohol. The large scope for inactivity could lead to the self-invited to have a drink daily. It relaxes your muscles, takes the edge away from the anxiety of not knowing what awaits us, relaxes us. Come on. Its okay.

There could be too many okays. So, chances are that when this period is over, whether it is 2 or 3 weeks and life does get back to routine, you have inadvertently undone a lot of the good lifestyle you had created for yourself with effort. And you may come out of the self-quarantine sleep deprived, feeling heavier, lazier and will be hustled into your routine which will be as tumultuous as it was before, if not more.

Option 2

Or you could use this decelerated pace in life to your advantage. You will have relatively more time on your hands. You save at least on driving time. In the metros like Bangalore and Mumbai, you could use that time to run a parallel economy!

Get your sleep, in order. With so much time on your hands, its easy to develop a good sleep routine for yourself. Sleep by 11 pm and clock in at least 7-8 hours of restful Nidra.

You are at home with the food available at your disposal. Plan your meals and eat right, eat clean. Eat at the right intervals. Do not eat in-between meals. These are the basic rules most simple, most effective too. Drink enough water you dont have to now climb floors to get to the loo!

For those who havent tried the intermittent schedule of eating now maybe the right time to experiment. I do not advocate 16 hours, but 12-14 hours is doable for most! On the pretext of the IF, you could eliminate late-night eating, so tag along on the IF bandwagon. Try it, it may not work for everybody.

Exercise could be back to the basics. Skipping, dancing at home (this could be so much fun with the family), floor exercises, crunches and functional exercises. Self-driven exercise routines arent stressful. They can be regular and quite effective. Stretch yourself well, walk around the house as you talk on the phone and catch up with age-old friends & family.

Limit your alcohol consciously to 3 servings a week just as you may have done when you were socially active or even less. Now theres now one to force you to have that just another drink.

Its all perspective. Its how you want to see the environment around you. Its how you use the raw material given to you and turn it around to use it well and in a way that helps your way forward.

Lets use this time to catch up on sleep, give our body some much-needed rest, spend more quality time with family, cook, eat without hurry, look out the window, self-introspect, explore possibilities of redesigning our life and taking those important decisions we had pushed for lack of time.

Disclaimer: The author, Anupama Menon, Nutritionist and Food Coach, is a guest contributor and part of our medical experts' panel. Views expressed are personal.

Read more:
This or that? A nutritionist shares the ideal diet, lifestyle to follow during the coronavirus pandemic - Times Now

High in protein and low on fats, makhana is an ideal snack for everyone from diabetics to those trying to lose weight!

Makhana, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, are a favourite crunchy snack in most Indian households. It is usually brought out during fasting days such as on Navratri; but should be consumed on a regular basis to reap its many health benefits.

The crispy treats are a delight to be had in-between meals. Its just the perfect health snack that marries great taste. Rich in protein and low on fats, its ideal for everybody from diabetics to people working on weight loss.

Need more reasons to bring them into your snacking routine?

Here are six reasons why you must include this superfood in your everyday routine:

Any food that can help shed extra kilos is good food. A cup of makhana contains about 83 calories, which is negligent if you want to binge eat in-between meals. Additionally, the protein in it tends to keep you fuller for long; and avoids you to overeat at meal-time. They also have negligible saturated fat content, making it a healthy food for the body.

Makhana is choco-full of antioxidants called kaempferol that fight against inflammation and harmful free radicals in the body. Which in turn slows down the ageing process, meaning it fights hair loss, greying hair and wrinkled skin.

Uber rich in minerals like magnesium and potassium, makhana is said to maintain heartbeat, control blood pressure and sustain cardiac health. It is also a rich source of folate a key vitamin which plays an important role in guarding heart health.

Makhana have a low glycemic index, and a fair amount of carbohydrates. A small portion of roasted makhana can easily be included in a diabetic diet. However, if youre on insulin, you must consult the doctor before making it a part of your diet since it has the tendency to reduce sugar levels.

If youre a vegetarian, you could include makhana in your daily diet for a good dose of protein. A cup of makhana consists of 3.9 grams of protein, which is great for building muscle mass and promoting cell growth. Its a plant-based protein, so ideal for vegans too.

The high fibre content of makhanas help in the bowel movement. So, if you grapple with constipation or indigestion, this superfood is a must-have. Theyre also gluten-free; so theres no scope of a problem arising in case youre gluten-intolerant.

You could stock up on makhanas in various flavours such as salt and pepper, sour cream and onion and even the spicy piri-piri so you dont get bored of them!

Also Read: Avocado to Sesame: 6 Rare Oils to Take Your Heath & Recipes a Notch Higher

(Edited by Saiqua Sultan)

More here:
Crunchy & Healthy: 6 Reasons to Include The Superfood Makhana in Your Diet - The Better India

Plant-based diet in the recent past has grabbed the limelight for its several health benefits. From promoting weight loss to healthy functioning of kidney, the plant-based diet has been touted to be beneficial for several people. Adding on to the list of its goodness, a recent study has suggested that following plant-based diet, along with avoiding junk foods, can be heart healthy for people. As compared to people who do not eat plant-based diet, this other set of people can keep heart diseases at bay for a much longer span of time.

As per a report in IANS, the researchers of the study tracked more than 2,000 Greek adults over a 10-year period, beginning in 2002. Participants were asked to complete a detailed food frequency survey at the time of enrollment, after five years and after 10 years.

Also Read:7 Best Plant-Based Recipes To Try At Home: Oats Khichdi, Som Tam Salad & More Recipes to Check

At the end of the study period, researchers analysed the relationship between diet and the development of cardiovascular diseases using a dietary index that divided participants into three groups based on the number of animal-based foods (which included meats as well as animal-derived products such as eggs and dairy) they consumed per day, the report read.

As per the study's lead author Demosthenes Panagiotakos, Professor at Harokopio University of Athens in Greece, "The findings highlight that even a small reduction in the daily consumption of animal-based products - principally the less healthy foods, such as processed meat products - accompanied by an increase in healthy plant-based foods may contribute to better cardiovascular health.

Also Read:Planning To Go Vegan? You May Just Contribute To Global Climate And Economy

The study also suggested that even in plant-based diet, healthy foods can any day be beneficial to human health than snacking on the unhealthy ones that increase the cardiovascular ailments risks.

The research, as per the IANS report, is scheduled to be presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session Together with World Congress of Cardiology on March 28-30 in the US.

Also Read:What Is Junk Food? Why Is It Bad For You?

View post:
Say Yes To Plant-Based Diet And No To Junk Food For Healthy Heart, A Study Says - NDTV Food

Coronavirus cases continue to surge throughout the United States and experts say some portions of the country are beyond containment.

The wide-spread virus has a high person-to-person transmission rate and is beginning to seriously affect younger adults, not just older generations.

According to a reportby the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that tracked the first 2,500 cases in the U.S., nearly 40% of COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized were between the ages of 20 and 54.

Those who are infected and dont require hospitalization are instructed to stay home, but that still leaves families androommates vulnerable.

So, what can one do to keep loved ones safe while recovering at home from COVID-19? And what can caregivers do to stay healthy?

Dr. Raphael Viscidi, an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins Medicine, said respiratory viruses are commonly transmitted between people with the closest and prolonged contact.

Reports that are coming out of China suggest that many, if not most, of (coronavirus)transmissions are coming from family units, he said.

The goal is to reduce social contact, the duration of contact and the environmental space shared with a sick person on a day-to-day basis.

That starts in the bedroom.

Its a very small shared environment with a high probability the virus is present, Viscidi said. The bed itself is a surface where a sick person is depositing the coronavirus with just a cough or sneeze.

Harvard Medical School recommends caregivers use aseparate bedroom while the infected person issick. Viscidi said the recommended self-quarantine time is at least 14 days.

In addition to their own bedroom, Harvard is also recommending the sick person have their own designated bathroom so no one else in the house is exposed to contaminated surfaces.

You spend time in the bathroom, Viscidi said. Theyre trying to identify places where someone whos sick is more likely to be spreading the virus.

Bathrooms have surfaces touched on a daily basis, such as faucets, doorknobs, toilets and sink counters. Theyre also relatively small, increasing the risk ofexposure.

When a person is sick with coronavirus, they release the virus into the environment through coughing or just breathing.

The virus may remain infectious in the air for hours. A study published Tuesday in the New England Journal of Medicine found viable virus could be detected in the air for up to three hours.

Were not by any way saying there is aerosolized transmission of the virus but this work shows the virus stays viable for long periods in certainconditions, so its theoretically possible, study leader Neeltje van Doremalen at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases told the Associated Press.

The virus is transmitted through droplets that fallquickly and can exist on surfaces as well, perhaps for as long as three days depending on conditions. Although, Viscidi noted that transmitting the virus through a surface is very low unless an individual is constantly touching the surface for a long time.

In order to minimize that risk, the CDCrecommends having good airflow or ventilationin the form ofair conditioning or a simple open window.

Dr. Joseph Khabbaza, a pulmonary and critical care physician at the Cleveland Clinic, said all standard rules apply when it comes to food preparation.

Washing hands and disinfecting kitchen surfaces are common practices in the kitchen, even if no one is sick in the house.

The frequent cleaning of surfaces is really the key in those settings, he said.

Khabbaza also said its important to maintain the recommended distance of six feet away from a person in all rooms but especially in the kitchen.

There are a number of ways to serve an infected person food, Khabbaza said. It can be left by the door to be retrievedor leftin the kitchen for the sick person to comeout and eat.

Caregivers can enter theroom as long as the patient is wearing a mask. The caregiver alsocouldwear a mask if more are available.

Although there is no specific diet for coronavirus patients, Khabbaza said they may not have an appetite and may only want soup or crackers.

Harvard Medical School advises family members not to share household items such as dishes, drinking glasses, cups or eating utensils with the sick. After use, they should be washed thoroughly.

Keeping the sick person's bedroom and bathroom door closed can provide an extra layer of precaution.

Its an extra physical barrier that no droplets are leaving that space, Khabbaza.

However, he points out its not likely a particle is able to travel far, surviveoutside the bodyand infect a healthy person.

Wiping surfaces, frequenthand-washing and avoiding the face are more crucial to minimize transmission of the virus even in settings that arent contained.

Limiting contact is the name of the game, and in our modern world, its become much easier with the use of technology.

Family members can limit contact by using computers, cellphones and tablets to message and call loved ones while they are sealed safely inside their designated bedrooms.

Khabbaza stresses the importance of comforting sick people in their time of need.

Its almost impossible not to feel that anxiety just with this climate and environment, he said. Theres a big benefit of minimizing that anxiety, making sure that youre relaxed around your loved one is important.

Hesuggested using FaceTime or Skype to communicate with people who are sick instead of just messages and calls.

Thats one way you can have lots of conversation and laugh together and see each other smile while still being at very low risk of transmission, Khabbaza said.

The CDC and Harvard Medical School advise caretakers to place all used disposable gloves, facemasks and other contaminated items in a lined container before disposing of them with other household waste.

While Viscidi said its not necessary to double-bag garbage, Khabbaza said extra bags couldnt hurt and its never a bad idea to use gloves while handling waste.

Tissues shouldnt be harmful after theyve already made it to the bottom of a wastebasket.

"Particles and droplets shouldnt just be aerosolized as a tissue in the wastebasket," he said."Once it'sin there, it won't go anywhere."

However,he said it could behelpful if the sick person tiesup the garbage bag before the caregiver comes in and takes it out. This could minimize anxiety when entering the room.

"Youwon't be able to take care of your lovedone as well if your nerves are taking over," he said.

Although there havent been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick, the CDC recommends restricting contact with them while sick with COVID-19 until more is known about the virus. This includes petting, snuggling, being kissed or lickedand sharing food.

If possible, have another person in the house whos not sick to care for the animals. If thats not possible, make sure the sick person washes their hands before and after interacting with pets and wear a face mask.

Viscidi said limiting pet interaction benefits people in the house more than the pet itself.

If youre having severe symptoms and youre petting them constantly, theres going to be some virus on the dog, he said. And then somebody else comes by and pets the dog.

The dog isnt going to get infected, but it can act like a contaminatedsurface for other people to get sick.

As many public health experts have reiterated, the key to keeping people healthy is hygiene.

The CDC defines cleaning as the removal of germs, dirt and impurities of surfaces, and defines disinfecting as using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. The agency recommends disinfecting surfaces after cleaning to further lower the risk of spreading infection.

The CDC recommends taking the following precautions when disinfecting the house while a family member is sick with COVID-19:

Be aware that there can be contaminated residue on used tissues, masks and gloves from someone sick with the coronavirus that can be dangerous to others that live in the home. Here are some ways to correctly dispose of the contaminated items.

SOURCE USA TODAY reporting; Stanford University; World Health Organization; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Sick at home with COVID-19: How to care for your loved ones infected with coronavirus - USA TODAY

Amid the still on-going crisis, where globally more than 210,000 cases have been reported and more than 9,000 people have lost their lives, there are also successes.

Wuhan in China, where the outbreak of the coronavirus started, reported no new cases on Friday for the first time since the outbreak.

Wuhan provides hope for the rest of the world, that even the most severe situation can be turned around, said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at yesterdays (20 March) virtual press conference.

Of course, we must exercise caution the situation can reverse. But the experience of cities and countries that have pushed back this virus give hope and courage to the rest of the world, he added.

The WHO Director-General said that the world is learning more about the virus every day. Although older people are the hardest hit, younger people are not spared. Data from many countries clearly show that people under 50 make up a significant proportion of patients requiring hospitalization.

Today, I have a message for young people: you are not invincible. This virus could put you in hospital for weeks, or even kill you, he warned. As I keep saying, solidarity is the key to defeating COVID-19 solidarity between countries, but also between age groups. He repeated the word solidarity three times.

Individual advice

During this difficult time, its important to continue looking after your physical and mental health. This will not only help you in the long-term, it will also help you fight COVID-19 if you get it, the WHO Director-General explained.

First, eat a health and nutritious diet, which helps your immune system to function properly. Second, limit your alcohol consumption, and avoid sugary drinks. Third, dont smoke. Smoking can increase your risk of developing severe disease if you become infected with COVID-19. Fourth, exercise. WHO recommends 30 minutes of physical activity a day for adults, and one hour a day for children. If your local or national guidelines allow it, go outside for a walk, a run or a ride, and keep a safe distance from others. If you cant leave the house, find an exercise video online, dance to music, do some yoga, or walk up and down the stairs. If youre working at home, make sure you dont sit in the same position for long periods. Get up and take a 3-minute break every 30 minutes.

Need of medical equipment

WHO is working actively to support all countries, and especially those that need its support the most. But there is not enough protective equipment, test kits and respirators.

The collapse of the market for personal protective equipment (PPE) has created extreme difficulties in ensuring health workers have access to the equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.

Luckily, WHO has identified some producers in China who have agreed to supply WHO with protective equipment and is currently finalizing the arrangements and coordinating shipments so it can refill its warehouse to ship such equipment to whoever needs it most.

WHO is also working hard to increase the global supply of diagnostic tests, the Director-General said. There are many companies globally that produce diagnostic kits, but WHO can only buy or recommend kits that have been evaluated independently, to ensure their quality.

The World Health Organisation is working with the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) to contract additional labs to evaluate new diagnostics. In parallel, it is working with companies to secure the supply and equitable distribution of these tests.

Another important issue is how to take care of all patients when hospitals, in many countries underfinanced for years and totally unprepared for the outbreak of the coronavirus, are overwhelmed by the increase in infected persons. Doctors risk having to take decisions who shall live and who shall die.

To tackle this dilemma, WHO has published guidelines on life-saving treatment as health systems are challenged, without compromising the safety of health workers. The guidelines detail actions all countries can take to provide care for patients, regardless of how many cases they have, he assured.

The Brussels Times

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Coronavirus: WHO on how to stay safe - The Brussels Times