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Practising Healthy and Hygienic Habits STORY Coralee O’Rourke - Member for Mundingburra, Minister for Communities and Minister for Disability Services & Seniors With cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) now in Queensland, it is a timely reminder for all members of our community to maintain healthy personal hygiene habits to reduce the spread of illnesses. It is well documented that this assists the slowing down of the coronavirus progression. Think of all the shared items we touch daily; doors, trolleys, counters, eftpos machines, playgrounds, or the number of times we shake hands or hug someone. Then, without knowing, we touch our face- hundreds or even thousands of times each day, potentially spreading viruses to ourselves. Viruses such as COVID-19, spread through close contact with people and via those who are coughing or sneezing. The virus enters your body via your eyes, nose and/or mouth which is why it is important to avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. Practising good personal hygiene and passing these habits onto your family and friends is the best way to prevent infection for most viruses. • Regularly wash your hands with soap and water or antibacterial liquid before and after eating, going to the toilet and upon contact with public items • Cover your cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues and use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser • If unwell, avoid contact with others (touching, kissing, hugging, and other intimate contact)
• Do not attend workplaces, schools, aged care facilities, childcare centres or high concentrated public spaces if unwell, as this will only spread the virus to others • Self-isolate for 14 days if you have travelled internationally And don’t forget to keep looking after yourself by eating a healthy, balanced diet, getting regular physical activity, sleeping well and reducing stress. The community plays a huge part in preventing the spread of coronavirus. If you, or someone you know has symptoms of fever, shortness of breath, headache, a cough or respiratory illness; self-isolate and make phone contact with your local GP or Hospital to discuss your symptoms and treatment options. It’s extremely important to be alert, but not alarmed with regards to this pandemic. Rest assured the public health authorities are well prepared and our Townsville University Hospital (TUH) is well equipped should the virus hit North Queensland. Please call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for health advice if you are concerned. The Federal Department of Health has also set up a 24-hour COVID-19 health information line which you might find useful – 1800 020 080.
www.pakmag.com.au | April 2020 49
