Facts on the coronavirus

A lot of information about Covid-19 has been spread since the start of the pandemic. However, some of the information is untrue and only meant to cause alarm and despondency. You can stay up-to-date with the accurate facts on coronavirus from the World Health Organisation (WHO) website, including national and local public health authorities.

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How long is the incubation period for Coronavirus (Covid-19)?

The “incubation period” means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for Covid-19 range from one to 14 days, most commonly around five days.

How likely am I to

catch Covid-19?

The risk depends on where you are and more specifically, whether there is a Covid-19 outbreak unfolding there. However, the disease has spread around the world (cities or areas). For people living in, or visiting, these areas the risk of catching Covid-19 is higher. Be sure to comply with any local restrictions on travel, movement or large gatherings. Co-operating with disease control efforts will reduce your risk of catching or spreading Covid-19. Covid-19 outbreaks can be contained and transmission stopped.

How long does the

virus survive on surfaces?

It is not certain how long the virus that causes Covid-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the Covid-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (for example, type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment). If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose.

Is there anything I should not do?

The following measures are not effective against Covid-19 and can be harmful: smoking, wearing multiple masks and taking antibiotics. In any case, if you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early to reduce the risk of developing a more severe infection and be sure to share your recent travel history with your healthcare provider.

Should children wear a mask?

WHO advises that people always consult and abide by local authorities on recommended practices in their area. An international and multidisciplinary expert group brought together by WHO reviewed evidence on Covid-19 disease and transmission in children and the limited available evidence on the use of masks by children.

Based on this and other factors such as childrens’ psychosocial needs and developmental milestones, WHO and Unicef advise the following:

Children aged five years and under should not be required to wear masks. This is based on the safety and overall interest of the child and the capacity to appropriately use a mask with minimal assistance. Also, the decision to use masks for children aged six to 11 should be based on the following factors:

Whether there is widespread transmission in the area where the child resides

The ability of the child to safely and appropriately use a mask

Access to masks, as well as laundering and replacement of masks in certain settings (such as schools and childcare services)

Adequate adult supervision and instructions to the child on how to put on, take off and safely wear masks

Potential impact of wearing a mask on learning and psychosocial development, in consultation with teachers, parents/caregivers and/or medical providers

Specific settings and interactions the child has with other people who are at high risk of developing serious illness, such as the elderly and those with other underlying health conditions

Children aged 12 and over should wear a mask under the same conditions as adults, in particular when they cannot guarantee at least a one-metre distance from others and there is widespread transmission in the area.

How to put on, use, take off

and dispose of a mask:

Before putting on a mask, wash hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask. Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks.

To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; wash hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. -WHO.