Advice for Preventing Infection of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, usually causing mild upper respiratory illness in people. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect and cause serious diseases in people, such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). Recently, a Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), has been spreading in many countries since December 2019. COVID-19 infection can cause severe pneumonia to those who get infected. It has been proven the virus can be transmitted through respiratory droplets produced by an infected person, and/or touching a surface or object that has the virus on it.
The AAA and its Medical Commission are much concerned about the possible spreading of the disease among athletes and their support persons. You are strongly advised to follow these 6 instructions which may help prevent COVID-19 from spreading among athletes and their support persons.
1. Wear a facemask
You should wear a facemask when you are around people especially in enclosed space such as in the public transport system and in crowded area. Please make sure you have wash your hand with alcohol-based hand sanitizer (with 70~75% alcohol) before put on and remove your facemask.
2. Cover your coughs and sneezes
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Immediately wash your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer (with 70~75% alcohol) after throwing used tissues in trash can.
3. Keep apart from person who do coughing and sneezing
Keep apart from person who do coughing and sneezing because respiratory droplets and discharge contain plenty of unknown viruses or bacteria. If you inhale them through nose and mouth, you may be infected.
4. Clean your hands often
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 70~75% alcohol after you have touched unknown surface and object. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
5. Avoid sharing personal household items
Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
6. Avoid unnecessary contact with animals
The origin of COVID-19 has not yet been proven, however, it has been speculated of animal origin. Do not have any unnecessary contact with animals and also avoid use of animal’s products.
AAA Medical Commission
