Medical experts say that the most important preventive measure against the infection of the novel coronavirus, also known as Kovid-19, is maintaining personal hygiene and avoiding physical contacts with strangers. On the personal hygiene front, they prescribe washing hands frequently with soap and water. Hand washing has to be done in a thorough manner which may take a few minutes. This action is even more important after having a meal, performing works or visiting toilet. When it is not possible to wash hands frequently, it is advised to apply hand sanitiser. Such a practice can prevent virus dissemination when multiple people touch door handles, computer keyboards, vehicle seats, lifts and elevators. Activities like shaking hands, hugging, kissing and patting should be discouraged. In this respect, traditional Nepali greeting of Namaste proves safe and practical. Doctors say that the virus may spread through physical touch in which hands are mostly involved. One is advised not to touch eyes, mouth and nose with hands.

The virus causes serious illness to the victim when it enters the respiratory system and inflicts the lungs. Use of face masks is highly prescribed, especially for those who are already under medication, weak and aged. People who are frequently coughing and sneezing must wear a protective mask. But masks that allow openings for free flow of air into and out of mouth are said not to be of much help. Protective reliance depends on the quality of the mask and the way in which we put it on. Medics advise plenty intake of hot water. Eating healthy food, avoiding dehydration and staying away from places where large number of people gather are also advised. After entering into the respiratory system of a person, the new coronavirus can remain in dormant state for two to three weeks. Therefore, it is essential for people suspected with infection to stay in isolation for that period of time to make sure that he or she is free from infection. In this regard, the government has urged all Nepalis returning from the coronavirus affected countries to stay in self-quarantine for two weeks.

People who have to go into isolation naturally have to go through various difficulties but the inconvenience is insignificant compared to the dire consequences of infection. One has to learn from China where strict measures have been put in place to contain the spread of the virus. Public buildings, door handles, elevators, lifts, public vehicles are disinfected and people are strictly screened in airports, border entry points, shopping malls, temples and hospitals for virus symptoms. New cases of infection have significantly come down even in the new virus epicentre in the city of Wuhan while the dissemination is widespread in Iran and Italy. Not only the Nepalis, anyone coming in from abroad must be screened and put in compulsory isolation. We are lucky no case of Corona virus has been found in Nepal but the World Health Organisation has put us under risk zone. Prevention is better than cure and a stich in time saves nine. These are the sayings that are most relevant regarding precaution against the deadly virus. Nepal also needs to join hands with its neighbours like China and India and take sound measures to contain the virus.