Part 1: Background information to the Novel Coronavirus Q1 - Q5

Part 2: Symptoms of infection  (Q6 - Q10)

Part 3: Preventative measures  (Q11 - Q17)

Part 4: Home disinfection (Q18 - Q20)

Part 5: Public support and cooperation (Q21 - Q25)

Part 6: Contacts for foreign nationals in Chongqing

Q11. How can people lower the risk of Coronavirus infection?

a. Avoid travel to epidemic-prone areas and minimize contact with people returning from epidemic-affected regions.

b. Avoid unnecessary travel to crowded places, public indoor areas, and wherever people with low immunity gather, especially young children and the elderly. If you have to go out, you must wear a mask.

c. Open windows for better ventilation, as good air circulation can effectively prevent respiratory infections. When opening windows for ventilation in winter, be aware of substantial differences between indoor and outdoor temperatures, which may lead to a cold.

d. Wash your hands frequently. Wash your hands very thoroughly with hot running water and soap for at least 20 seconds. If there is no opportunity to wash your hands, use an alcohol-based rinse-free hand sanitizer.

e. If fever (especially high temperature persists), cough, shortness of breath, and other symptoms of respiratory tract infections appear, you should wear a mask and seek medical treatment immediately.

Q12. How can people avoid infection when coughing and sneezing?

When coughing and sneezing, droplets containing viruses can spread into the air to a distance of about 2 meters, and people around you can be infected by inhaling them. So please pay attention to:

a. Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when sneezing or coughing, and not with your hands.

b. Putting tissues used for sneezing and coughing in a covered trash can.

c. Washing hands thoroughly with soap or hand sanitizer after sneezing and coughing.

Q13. What masks are effective against infection?

For daily protection, medical-surgical masks are an excellent choice (They are thin, but can effectively block the transmission of viruses). N95 masks are better for disease prevention, but they are restrictive to breathing and less suitable for long-term usage. The presence or absence of a breathing valve on the mask does not affect the level of protection. Masks made of cotton, cotton gauze, or sponge may retain more warmth, but do not protect against viral infection. Masks made at home are not reliable.

Q14. How should people dispose of used masks?

a. If the mask becomes wet or contaminated with secretions, it must be replaced immediately.

b. When removing the mask, avoid touching the outer surface. Use the ear loops. Do not touch masks used by others to avoid cross-infection. Directly and carefully dispose of used masks to avoid infection.

c. Scalding with hot water, burning, cutting, and throwing away are not recommended methods for disposing of worn masks.

d. Masks used by members of the public can be thrown directly into the trash.

e. For people suspected of having an infectious disease, they should hand over the used masks to staff when seeking treatment, and should be treated as medical waste.

f. After handling masks, remember to wash your hands with hot running water and soap.

Q15. What is the correct procedure for hand sanitation?

Wash hands before meals, after using the toilet, after returning home, handling garbage, and contact with animals. Clean hands thoroughly with running water and soap or hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds. When using public bathrooms, be careful not to touch surfaces that might be infected and to wash your hands very carefully after.

Q16. What dietary advice is there to lower the risk of infection?

Do not buy or consume wild animals, limit exposure to seafood, poultry markets or farms, and avoid contact with wild or farmed animals. Ensure that all kinds of meat and eggs are thoroughly cooked. Cutting boards and knives for raw foods should be kept separately. Maintain a sensible diet and ensure balanced nutrition. Ensure the diversity of food and find a balance between whole grains, refined grains, meats, and vegetables. Eat fresh fruit and vegetables as much as possible, supplement vitamins and cellulose, and drink plenty of water.

Q17. How can children and the elderly protect themselves?

Elderly people are susceptible to the Novel Coronavirus and should avoid exposure to crowded public areas and reduce unnecessary social activities. Masks should be worn before going outside, and hands should be washed frequently. Although only a few children have been diagnosed with Novel Coronavirus to date, they are still a key demographic in need of protection. While washing hands frequently, limiting the frequency of going outside, wearing masks, frequently ventilating the room, relatives and friends should be advised to avoid close contact (such as kissing and playing with children) with children, especially infants. Children should maintain a healthy and regular lifestyle by going to bed and getting up early and not overeating. It is recommended that children under the age of three do not wear a mask, and should be protected by reducing the time spent outside.