You've most definitely heard of the viral outbreak in China, which has now been declared as a global health emergency. You could have dismissed it while it was happening on the other side of the globe, but now that cases have emerged in other countries around the world, including in Europe, we're on high alert and maybe somewhat alarmed. Looking for an answer to each question boggling your mind at the moment? Read on and eliminate all confusion!

What is the coronavirus?

The coronavirus is a family of respiratory viruses which may provoke respiratory illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe illnesses. Different forms of coronaviruses are circulating amongst various animal species, some of which haven't infected humans yet, and some which have. We've had the MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) originating from dromedary camels and SARS-CoV (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) whose source was found to be civet cats in past years.

The Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a temporary name given to a new strain which mismatches all previously-identified viruses. On 31st December 2019, WHO were notified that several cases of pneumonia were identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province in China. It was diagnosed as a new virus and on 7th January identified as a coronavirus.

From where did the virus originate?

There are no definitive conclusions yet regarding the outbreak source and features pertaining to the disease.

How is the coronavirus transmitted?

The first patients diagnosed in Wuhan City were all somehow connected to a specific seafood and animal market, implying animal-to-human transmission. However, the latest patients have had no exposure to animal markets, indicating the occurrence of human-to-human transmission via respiratory droplets. How contagious it actually is, is yet to be confirmed.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

Common signs of the coronavirus include:

• Fever
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Breathing difficulties
• Respiratory issues

Since symptoms resemble those of a cold or the flu, early detection of mild cases is tough. In the case of 20% of diagnosed patients, the virus had in fact progressed and become severe. In such severe cases, the virus can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

How long is the incubation period?

The period starting from the moment of exposure to the date when symptoms kickoff is believed to range from 2 days up to 14 days.

How can you reduce exposure and prevent the coronavirus from spreading?

Protecting yourself and others from getting sick is quintessential and, luckily, most of the preventive actions are common practices throughout this season:

• Wash your hands regularly

Wash hands using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub, especially after coughing or sneezing, when caring for the sick, while preparing food, before eating, after using the toilet, and after touching animals or animal waste.

Stock up on soaps and alcoholic rubs from local pharmacies.

• Cover mouth and nose with tissue, sleeve or elbow when coughing and sneezing

It's crucial that you throw the tissue away and wash your hands after.

• Cook meat and eggs thoroughly 

1. Don't ingest raw or undercooked animal products
2. Avoid cross-contamination when handling raw and cooked foods simultaneously; use different chopping boards and utensils and wash your hands.
3. As long as food is handled and cooked properly, eating meat products is safe, even in areas which experienced an outbreak.

• Stay away from people showing symptoms of a respiratory illness
• Refrain from eating sick animals and animals which died from a disease
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

Buy the necessary disinfectants from local supermarkets or detergent shops.

• Make use of infection prevention practices, especially in hospital emergencies

Are you travelling in the coming weeks? Follow these tips to stay healthy:

Along with the above-mentioned recommendations, adhere to these practices:

• Refrain from travelling if you're sick
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
• If you decide to wear a face mask, ensure it's covering your mouth and nose, and don't touch it once it's on
• Discard single-use masks after each use and wash hands after removing 
• Don't spit in public
• Stay away from wet markets with live or dead animals
• Abstain from touching sick people 
• Avoid direct contact with live animals, their excretions and surfaces prone to animals, stray and sick animals and spoiled meat
• Wash clothing daily

Is travelling to China safe?

If not essential, avoid travelling to China, especially to the Hubei province. Contact your insurance company for any necessary travel refunds you may be entitled for. However, there is no need to cancel your travel plans to other countries, as only China is of yet a high risk country.

Is having close contact with people coming from China dangerous?

China is the world's largest country and the number of infected people is still very low compared to its 1.4 billion inhabitants. Hence, the probability of getting infected is still low. However, staying alert for symptoms is always necessary.

Who is more prone to getting infected?

Most susceptible people are older adults and people with underlying health conditions which put them at a higher risk, especially in affected areas.

What should you do if you experience any symptoms?

• Seek medical care as soon as possible and share the latest travelling history with your doctor
• Isolate yourself from others
• Wash your hands often
• Cover mouth and nose
• Wear face mask
• Don't share household items

Is there a vaccine or treatment for coronavirus?

Since it's a new type of virus, there is no vaccine which can be taken as a precautionary measure yet. Studies and tests are already being carried out by various health authorities around the world in an endeavour to come up with a treatment and precautionary vaccine as quickly as possible.

Until then, the elements official authorities are concentrating their efforts on are:

• Early recognition
• Immediate isolation after diagnosis
• Infection control measures
• Provision of supportive care

Myths you should beware of

- Can shipped packages from China be infected?

No, the virus cannot survive on surfaces for more than 24 to 48 hours, and packages from China will definitely take longer than that to arrive. During transportation, the virus will definitely die, so rest assured that your orders are safe. There is absolutely no need to greet your local courier with a face mask and gloves.

- Is Chinese food safe to eat?

Absolutely! The coronavirus is not transmitted through food and chances are Chinese food is not imported directly from China anyway. Make a reservation with ease at one of the local Chinese restaurants.

- Any correlation with Corona beer?

Not at all! It's just an unfortunate brand clash so you can visit local bars and pubs with peace of mind.

What is Malta doing to prepare itself?

Although no cases have been reported so far, Malta is still doing its part to prepare itself for any cases which may emerge:

• Infection control measures have been introduced
• An isolation unit has been set up just outside Mater Dei Hospital
• People arriving from affected cities are being screened at the Airport

For any further inquiries and for your peace of mind, do not hesitate to contact a local general practitioner.

Keep on discovering local with Yellow.