To date 75 775 have been infected with the virus, 2 130 have died and 16 867 have recovered from the illness.

What is the corona virus?

• Corona viruses are a large family of respiratory viruses that can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to the Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
• The Corona virus is a common virus that causes an infection in the nose, sinus, or upper throat.
• Most coronaviruses are not dangerous.
• The Corona virus has the ability to spread much faster and therefore have infected so much more people than the other Corona viruses.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of most coronaviruses are similar to any upper respiratory infection, include: 

• runny nose
• coughing
• sore throat
• and sometimes a fever.

Should it spread to the lower respiratory system, please see a doctor immediately

Treatment:

• Treat a corona virus infection the same way as treating a cold:
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Drink fluids.
  • Take over-the-counter medicine for a sore throat and fever.
  • A humidifier or steamy shower can also help ease a sore and scratchy throat.
  • If you get sick, treat your symptoms and contact a doctor if they get worse or don't go away.

Prevention:

• There is no vaccine for coronavirus.
• To prevent getting corona virus infection, do the same things you do to avoid the common cold:
  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Keep hands and fingers away from eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are infected.

Travel advice:

On the 30th January 2020, the WHO Director General has declared the outbreak of novel coronavirus 2019-

nCoV as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Advise to International travellers:

• Practice the usual precautions
• In case of symptoms suggestive of acute respiratory illness before, during or after travel, travellers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share travel history with their health care provider.
• Be aware of the latest official advice offered by the country you are departing from about travelling during this COVID-19 outbreak.
• Check the impact this outbreak may have on your travel insurance coverage, including medical repatriation costs in case of ill health or any new restrictions on travel.
• If you are elderly or have pre-existing health issues, you should be aware that if you do develop symptoms, you could be at increased risk of severe infection.
• Contact travel agents or airlines to get the latest advice on any local travel restrictions or local authority guidance for preventive measures.
• Keep up to date with local or departing country advice throughout the trip; advice may change rapidly.
• Be aware that there may be enhanced screening/monitoring at entry and exit ports.
• Check the advice of the country you are travelling to. You may be required to self-isolate for a set period even if you do not have symptoms.
• NB!!! It is important also to check where to get help if you feel unwell within a set period of travel (often 14 days).