The coronavirus has non-specific symptoms including fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
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February 13, 2020 - 4:45 PM
The Central Okanagan school district is warning students, parents and staff who have recently travelled to China to take extra measures in order to protect themselves and others from the novel coronavirus.
Silvina Mema, Interior Health medical health officer, told the district that staff and students who are returning from China, or who have been in close contact with someone with the coronavirus, should consider staying home for 14 days after they leave the country, according to a letter sent to parents.
Students and staff should monitor themselves daily for symptoms like fever or cough and parents should assist children as needed. Those who develop symptoms should stay home and call their healthcare provider or 8-1-1 to discuss any need for testing and follow-up, the letter said.
For B.C., the latest official updates are located on the BC Centre for Disease Control website here. A toll-free number (1-833-784-4397) has been established to answer questions from Canadians about the novel coronavirus. This service is available from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The letter also outlined tips to reduce the risk of contracting the flu, colds or the novel coronavirus:
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Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds using soap and water.
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If a sink is not available, alcohol-based hand rubs can be used to clean hands if they are not visibly soiled.
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If they are visibly soiled, using a wipe and then alcohol-based rubs is effective.
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Do not touch your face/eyes/mouth with unwashed hands.
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Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow.
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Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Regular household cleaning products are effective against most viruses.
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Stay home if you are sick and away from others so you don't pass it on.
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