CAMAGÜEY.- To know preventive details about coronavirus pneumonia 2019 (COVID-19), a respiratory condition that can spread from person to person and that appeared on December 31 in China, where on January 7, the health alarm came up, Dr. Alfredo Leal Gutiérrez, specialist in Hygiene and Epidemiology and head of the Program of Acute Respiratory Infections and Tuberculosis, of the Provincial Center of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Microbiology, announced that the first thing to consider at this time is the check of Cuban or foreigner travelers at borders, that is, in ports, airports and marine.

 If upon arrival from outside the body temperature detector indicates that the person has a feverish state, the specialists in charge take the necessary measures such as transferring the person to the hospital in competition to study him, something that is being done and not a single case has been confirmed as positive, which coincides with the rest of the country.

The COVID-19 is favored by cold and humidity, and among preventive measures in healthy people are not to be exposed to others with the flu, staying one meter away from someone suffering from respiratory processes, not kissing or shaking hands to greet - very common in Cubans - wash your hands frequently, do not touch your nose, eyes or mouth, be consistent in personal hygiene, your environment and workplace, do not attend places with crowds of people and have an adequate diet rich in fruits, and vegetables. Well-worn masks do not offer security because germs are very small.

Those who suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes or other immune-suppressants should be maintained with their appropriate treatments. Those over 60 years of age are the most susceptible.

 Dr. Leal pointed out that in case of being infected, the first thing is isolation, and if you have symptoms of respiratory disease, place the arm in a loop when coughing and, of course, before any suspicious indicative go to the doctor.

Translated by Linet Acuña Quilez