The World Health Organisation (WHO) has formally classified the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. The understood rates of ill health and morbidity caused by COVID-19, particularly for Old Mates, are cause for heightened precautions and safety.
The health and safety of you and your Old Mates is of critical concern for all of us here at #OLDMATE and spur:org. This email contains basic information based on the latest literature and announcements from the WHO and Australian Government (as of March 23, 2020).
The information on this page should not be considered an official recommendation, rather you should visit the WHOand Department of Health websites before making any decisions for you or your Old Mate.
How iT spreads
“When someone who has COVID-19 coughs or exhales they release droplets of infected fluid. Most of these droplets fall on nearby surfaces and objects - such as desks, tables or telephones. People could catch COVID-19 by touching contaminated surfaces or objects – and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. If they are standing within one meter of a person with COVID-19 they can catch it by breathing in droplets coughed out or exhaled by them.
"In other words, COVID-19 spreads in a similar way to flu. Most persons infected with COVID-19 experience mild symptoms and recover. However, some go on to experience more serious illness and may require hospital care. Risk of serious illness rises with age: people over 40 seem to be more vulnerable than those under 40. People with weakened immune systems and people with conditions such as diabetes, heart and lung disease are also more vulnerable to serious illness."
- Information from WHO.
BASIC Protctive measures
Consistently, the following are recommended as best practice:
· Wash your hands frequently (for at least 20 seconds with soap and water)
· Maintain social distancing (at least 1.5m at all times)
· Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
· Practice respiratory hygiene (coughing into your elbow, etc.)
The following video from WHO provides more in depth information:
Alternative activitIES
As the incubation period of COVID-19 appears to be 5-7 days (if not longer), there is a good chance you may be infectious without even being aware of it. Therefore, we would recommend that you avoid being physically near your Old Mate for the time being.
But, there are loads of other ways you and your Old Mate can continue to hang out. The easiest way is to substitute #OLDMATE activities with a digital or COVID-19-friendly tweak. For example, many activities can be done at the same time as a phone call or video chat like:
· Coffee & Story
· Crossword
· Draw & Paint
· Read a Book
· Netflix & Actual Chill
· Music Discography
· Learn a Recipe
Or you can get creative and see what other alternatives you come up with! If you have any questions, the #OLDMATE team is only ever an email away.
Stay safe xo
Or you can get creative and see what other alternatives you come up with! If you have any questions, the #OLDMATE team is only ever an email away.
Stay safe xo
