Coronavirus is a family of viruses that can cause symptoms of a common cold, but can also cause more severe respiratory infections. 

Severe cases were seen due to infections with the SARS-coronavirus (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), which caused a large disease outbreak in 2003, and the MERS-coronavirus (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), which has been the cause of severe pulmonary infections on the Arabian peninsula since 2012. 

The outbreak with novel coronavirus started in China in December 2019, and spread quickly to neighbouring countries and subsequently to the rest of the world, including Czech Republic. WHO declared the situation to be a pandemic on 11 March 2020, meaning an epidemic on several continents.  

WHO named the disease caused by the novel coronavirus COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019). 

The main symptoms of the disease include a fever, cough, shortness of breath, headache and fatigue. However, not everyone with these symptoms is infected with the coronavirus. In such cases, it is necessary to rationally consider whether you may have come into contact with the disease.

Coronavirus is transmitted from person to person through close contact. It is a “droplet” infection that is transmitted by air. It most often affects the mucous membranes of the upper and lower airways and conjunctiva. The incubation period is about two to fourteen days. After a week from infection, the disease manifests itself with fevers that do not subside. They may be accompanied by discomfort, pain in the joints and muscles, and a cough also appears.

It is important to proceed in the same way as in the case of a common viral disease, i.e. adhere to the basic rules of hygiene and use protective equipment. Another option is to boost immunity through a healthy lifestyle and vitamin intake.

Above all, act responsibly towards yourself and your surroundings:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap or disinfectant gel
• Also regularly wipe objects (e.g. mobile phones) with disinfectant wipes
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue or sleeve
• Use disposable tissues and then discard them
• Avoid large groups of people and keep a safe distance (about 2 meters)
• Eliminate contact with sick people
• Do not travel to affected areas
• If you feel unwell, stay at home
• Follow current information on verified websites
• Follow the recommendations of the relevant authorities and the Government of the Czech Republic 

 At the government meeting on Wednesday, 18 March 2020, further crisis measures were taken. There is an obligation to wear protective respiratory equipment when moving around and staying in all places outside the home. The face mask can be a classic disposable mask, homemade textile mask, or even a shawl or scarf. If we all wear masks, we can slow the spread of the new coronavirus infection. All you have to do is remember the simple rule: “My mask protects you, your mask protects me.”