In light of recent developments pertaining to the arrival of Coronavirus (COVID-19 ) on these shores, Town Mayor, Cllr. Frankie Keena, has urged the members of the local community to take extra vigilance when either at their place of work, at home or in public places.
“We need to take every precaution necessary to contain this virus and not let it spread. As with all potentially infectious diseases the recommendation is that people practice good hygiene habits as the virus is spread through sneeze or cough droplets.
“Therefore I stress the importance of washing ones hands properly and regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. People also need to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their sleeve when they cough and sneeze. All used tissues should be immediately put into a bin and hands washed again.
“I would request all employers, community and sporting facilities to have ample alcohol based hand rub gels available for the general public, employees or members to use,” Cllr. Keena stated.
The Town Mayor stressed the need to be astutely mindful in light of the virus outbreak.
“While I do not want to cause any major hysteria we still need to be mindful and understand that there is a possibility that this virus could spread, therefore it is important that we take all the necessary steps to avoid this happening. We should still carry on with our daily activities but be aware of the need to keep hygiene as a priority.
“COVID-19 is a new type of coronavirus that has never been seen in humans before and as of yet there is no vaccine available. It can take up to fourteen days for the symptoms of coronavirus to appear, symptoms including a cough, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties and fever.
Coronavirus can also cause more severe illness including pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome and kidney failure,” Cllr. Keena concluded.
