Page 26 - HOH

a32 local
Monday 30 March 2020

Aruba and the world facing COVID-19

ORANJESTAD — The world turned From yesterday on a total lock-
upside down because of the pan- down is applicable. No one is al-
demic that we are facing. Remem- lowed to enter the country, not
ber January and February when even residents.
we were feeling sorry for China
and the crisis they were/are facing The world
with regards to corona virus? Who There are 707.738 coronavirus cas-
would ever thought that weeks af- es throughout the world and 33.526
ter we would be in the same situ- deaths so far. 150.732 people in-
ation. Aruba now has 46 infected fected have been recovered. The
with the virus and 561 persons have coronavirus COVID-19 is affecting
been tested so far. One person is 199 countries and territories around
in the hospital and so far luckily no the world and 2 international con-
deaths. (updated March 29). veyances: the Diamond Princess
cruise ship harbored in Yokohama,
Aruba has increased the number Japan, and the Holland America's
of tests to identify more cases ear- MS Zaandam cruise ship.
lier on. The image shows the pro- The World Health Organization
gression of number of tests done. (WHO) advises to stay aware of the
Aruba is leading in the region with latest information on the COVID-19
regards to number of tests per- outbreak through their website Why? When someone coughs or and COVID-19.
formed. and through your national and lo- sneezes they spray small liquid • Stay home if you feel un-
cal public health authority. Many droplets from their nose or mouth well. If you have a fever, cough
From midnight last Saturday on, countries around the world have which may contain virus. If you are and difficulty breathing, seek med-
Aruba is put under "shelter in place" seen cases of COVID-19 and sev- too close, you can breathe in the ical attention and call in advance.
meaning that one cannot leave eral have seen outbreaks. Authori- droplets, including the COVID-19 Follow the directions of your local
their home. The exception to this ties in China and some other coun- virus if the person coughing has the health authority.
rule are visits to the supermarket, tries have succeeded in slowing or disease. Why? National and local authori-
doctor, pharmacy and take away stopping their outbreaks. However, • Avoid touching eyes, nose ties will have the most up to date
but it is required to remain at least the situation is unpredictable so and mouth. information on the situation in your
two meters apart. It is prohibited to check regularly for the latest news. Why? Hands touch many surfaces area. Calling in advance will allow
go out with more than three peo- WHO informs how you can reduce and can pick up viruses. Once con- your health care provider to quick-
ple together. If you have a vital your chances of being infected taminated, hands can transfer the ly direct you to the right health fa-
service job you will still be able to or spreading COVID-19 by taking virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. cility. This will also protect you and
get to work. The curfew between some simple precautions: From there, the virus can enter your help prevent spread of viruses and
9pm and 6am remains in place. No • Regularly and thoroughly body and can make you sick. other infections.
one can be outside their home/ clean your hands with an alcohol- • Make sure you, and the • Keep up to date on the
property except for a very few ex- based hand rub or wash them with people around you, follow good latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities
emptions. The fines for violating the soap and water. respiratory hygiene. This means or local areas where COVID-19
curfew and shelter in place range Why? Washing your hands with covering your mouth and nose with is spreading widely). If possible,
from 1.000 Florin to 10.000 Florin. soap and water or using alcohol- your bent elbow or tissue when you avoid traveling to places – espe-
All companies will be closed ex- based hand rub kills viruses that cough or sneeze. Then dispose of cially if you are an older person or
cept for gas stations, supermarkets, may be on your hands. the used tissue immediately. have diabetes, heart or lung dis-
pharmacies, take away places, • Maintain at least 1 metre Why? Droplets spread virus. By fol- ease.
hospital. Media is allowed to per- (3 feet) distance between yourself lowing good respiratory hygiene Why? You have a higher chance
form their job. There are no visits and anyone who is coughing or you protect the people around of catching COVID-19 in one of
allowed no more at the hospital. sneezing. you from viruses such as cold, flu these areas.q
All establishments that are on the
non-essential list published by the
government need to close for the
public during this 2-week period.
Employees of these establishment
are not allowed to go to work, ex-
cept for very few essential require-
ments, such as security and payroll
manager. It is recommended that
these individuals have a compa-
ny ID or employer letter identify-
ing their position). Police can shut
down businesses completely if cur-
few is violated.