Dear All Please see Below mention health safety tips in relation to Coronaviruses that cause illness. General Overview According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).These viruses are transmitted between animals and people. SARS, for instance, was believed to have been transmitted from civet cats to humans while MERS traveled from a type of camel to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans. A novel coronavirus, identified by Chinese authorities on January 7 and currently named 2019-nCoV, is a new strain that had not been previously identified in humans. Little is known about it, although human-to-human transmission has been confirmed. Other countries have reported far fewer cases, in the examples below less than 10. These include Thailand; Singapore; Vietnam; Japan; the United States; South Korea; France and Nepal. All the cases involve people who had either come from Wuhan or been there recently. There is evidence of respiratory transmission of the virus from patient to patient and Chinese authorities have said 15 medical staff in the country have been infected. With growing numbers of Chinese tourists visiting Nepal and detection of infected Nepali students and 3 others in observation, Nepal is taking several steps to prevent the spread of disease. In view of this staff are advise to refer below mention health safety tips. 1. What are the symptoms? According to the WHO, signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. The incubation period of the coronavirus remains unknown. Some sources say it could be between 10 to 14 days. Ø Runny nose Ø Headache Ø Cough Ø Sore throat Ø Fever Ø A general feeling of being unwell 2. What to Do About Coronavirus: There is no vaccine for coronavirus. To help prevent a coronavirus infection, do the same things you do to avoid the common cold. 3. Ways for Prevention Ø Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Ø Keep your hands and fingers away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. Ø Avoid close contact with people who are infected. Ø You treat a coronavirus infection the same way you treat a cold: Ø Get plenty of rest. Ø Drink fluids. Ø Take over-the-counter medicine for a sore throat and fever. But don't give aspirin to children or teens younger than 19; use ibuprofen or acetaminophen instead.(Source: WHO) Ø A humidifier or steamy shower can also help ease a sore and scratchy throat. Ø Your healthcare provider may order laboratory tests on respiratory specimens and serum (part of your blood) to detect human coronaviruses. Laboratory testing is more likely to be used if you have severe disease or are suspected of having MERS. Ø If you are experiencing symptoms, you should tell your healthcare provider about any recent travel or contact with animals. 4. Nepal Government precautionary Action: Ø Government has already set up a health desk at TIA as well as started screening travelers . Ø Government on high alert right now. Government had already planned to rush a special ambulance if someone is found suspected with coronavirus, Ø Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Control Hospital (STIDH) has been on high alert and has maintained a continuous vigil, hospital authorities. Ø Government has recommended hospitals for those who are suffered from coronavirus can undergo treatment at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Hospital, Nepal Police Hospital, Patan Hospital, Teaching Hospital. Ø Ministry of Health and Population has already started to monitor the persons arriving from China and other countries.