Coronavirus is sweeping the globe and people are being urged to follow basic hygiene measures in an attempt to limit its spread. Everyone is at risk of contracting the virus, including truck drivers. Health professionals are obviously fighting the virus on the front line, dealing with sick patients daily, and public transport workers also have a heightened risk, as does anyone working in a public-facing job.
The nation’s truck drivers certainly must be mindful of contracting the virus. Afterall, they are delivering goods to various parts of the country, coming into close contact with different people every day.
How can truck drivers protect themselves?
The Government and the World Health Organisation have encouraged people to wash their hands more frequently in order to keep the illness at bay. Drivers should step up the frequency of hand washing, use hand sanitizers regularly and avoid touching mouths, eyes and faces. Handshakes are also being discouraged as a form of welcoming.
People who have been to high-risk areas are also being urged to self-isolate themselves. The virus started in China and has exploded in places like Iran and Italy, where the whole country is now on lockdown. If you have recently been abroad in a country with a large outbreak, officials strongly encourage you to stay away from other humans for 14 days.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a new illness that affects your lungs and airways. Common symptoms include a cough, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties and a fever. However, it can take up to 14 days for symptoms to appear, meaning the virus can spread before you even begin to feel unwell.
For most healthy adults and children, coronavirus will feel like traditional influenza. Unfortunately, for certain groups it can be fatal. The elderly and those with underlying health conditions are most at risk and authorities are doing all they can to prevent these people from contracting the virus.
Coronavirus is spread in sneeze or cough droplets. You could contract coronavirus if you come into close contact with someone who has the virus and is coughing and sneezing or touch surfaces that someone who has the virus has coughed or sneezed on.
The virus may survive a few hours if someone who has it coughs or sneezes on a surface. Simple household disinfectants can kill the virus on surfaces. Clean the surface first and then use a disinfectant.
What does the future hold?
The situation in the UK is changing by the minute – and countries across Europe are going to great lengths to try and combat the illness. Football matches across the continent are beginning to be played behind closed doors, large gatherings are being cancelled and schools and universities are closing their doors too. People in Italy are being told to stay indoors, with all movement being banned bar essential travel.
Whether these measures will be imposed in the UK remains unclear, but with more deaths and confirmed cases being reported every day, the country has to be prepared to act to stop the spread and protect those most at risk from contracting this illness.
In the meantime, all we can do is wash our hands, catch our coughs and sneezes and be vigilant.
