The Wuhan Virus: How to Stay Safe<\/h1>\n

There\u2019s one difference between the Wuhan virus and previous outbreaks in the region: China is now impossible to quarantine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

7. If you share meals, do not use your personal chopsticks and utensils to remove food from a serving bowl or plate and, of course, tell your children to never drink out of anybody else\u2019s cups or from a container of shared fluid. It is customary in China to prepare several dishes for a meal and then allow everybody at the table to use their personal chopsticks to pull food from the common dishes: Don\u2019t do this until the epidemic is over. Place serving spoons in each dish and instruct everybody at the table to scoop what they want from the serving dishes onto their personal plates or bowls, return the serving spoon to the main dish, and then use their personal chopsticks only to pick food from their personal plate or bowl into their mouth. Wash all food and kitchenware thoroughly between meals and avoid restaurants that have poor hygiene practices.<\/p>\n

8. Absolutely do not buy, slaughter, or consume any live animal or fish until it is known what species was the source of the virus.<\/p>\n

9. When the weather allows, open your windows at home or work, letting your space air out. The virus cannot linger in a well-ventilated space. But of course, if it is cold or the weather is inclement, keep warm and close those windows.<\/p>\n

10. Finally, if you are caring for a friend or family member who is running a fever, always wear a tight-fitting mask when you are near them, and place one on the ailing person (unless they are nauseated). When you replace an old, dirty mask from the face of your friend or loved one be very, very careful\u2014assume, for the sake of your protection, that it is covered in viruses, and handle it while wearing latex gloves, place it inside of a disposable container, seal it, and then put it in the trash. While wearing those latex gloves, gently wash the patient\u2019s face with warm soap and water, using a disposable paper towel or cotton swab, and seal it after use in a container or plastic bag before placing it in your household trash. Wear long-sleeved shirts and clothing that covers your body when you are caring for your ailing friend or relative. Clean everything your patient wears or touches very thoroughly in hot soapy water, including sheets, towels, and utensils. If you have space, isolate the sick person in your household in a room, or a corner of a room, where they are comfortable, but separated from the rest of the household. If the weather is tolerable, open a window that is on the opposite side of the room, so that air gently blows past the patient\u2019s face and then outdoors. Of course, don\u2019t do this if it is very cold, as your friend or loved one will be made sicker if uncomfortably cold.<\/p>\n

The Chinese government will take very drastic actions over the next few weeks, and this will be a time of hardship for the Chinese people. As the virus spreads in other countries, similarly draconian measures may be invoked to slow the epidemic. But with these simple precautions, if taken by everybody in your household, building, office, and school, you will dramatically reduce the spread of the virus and bring the outbreak to its knees.<\/p>\n

Be safe. Do not panic. Take commonsense precautions. As frightening as this time is, you will get through it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Wuhan Virus: How to Stay Safe As China\u2019s epidemic continues to spread, things may seem scary. Here are ten simple precautions that can protect you from contracting the coronavirus. Medical staff members wear protective clothing as they arrive with a patient at the Wuhan Red Cross Hospital in China on Jan. 25. As the … <\/p>\n