Q: What is COVID-19?

A: COVID-19 is a new strain of the coronavirus first detected in China in December 2019 that causes mild to moderate upper and lower respiratory tract illness. In some cases, it can cause severe complications like pneumonia. Early symptoms can be similar to a common cold or the flu and include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Q: Are there any known cases at Mesarya Technical University?

A: No, there are no known cases of COVID-19 at Mesarya. For the latest information on the presence of coronavirus in Northern Cyprus visit the North Cyprus Department of Health and Environmental Control at the following link : https://saglik.gov.ct.tr/

Q: How does a person get the Novel Coronavirus?

A: It is generally spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets. It may be possible for a person to get COVID-19 by touching a surface which has the virus on it, and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes.

Q: What should I do about my plans to travel to international destinations outside my home country?

A: Follow the most updated information from your Ministry of Foreign Affairs and/or Ministry of Health and/or Turkish Airlines https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-tr/announcements/coronavirus-outbreak/travel-restrictions/

Q: How should I prepare if I do travel?

A: Take basic precautions to prepare for potential travel disruptions as follows:

Travel with all key documents, including their passport and insurance documents.

Keep cell phones fully charged and operational, and check yr email at least once a day.

Travel with a full supply of any regular medications, regardless of how long you plan to be away. Prescription medications should be packaged in their original containers.

Q: How does one prevent the spread of the Novel Coronavirus?

A: Take the following precautions:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Q: What should I do if I believe I have been exposed to the Novel Coronavirus?

A: Contact nearest Hospital or a clinic . It is recommended you call ahead before going over to the Hospital or clinic.

Q: Symptoms and transmission of COVID-19

According to the American CDC, human coronaviruses are common throughout the world and usually cause mild to moderate illness in people. COVID-19 is a newly identified coronavirus that is causing an outbreak of pneumonia illness.
Symptoms may be flu-like, ranging from mild to serious, and include:

• Fever

• Dry cough

• Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing

Person-to-person spread is occurring, likely through respiratory secretions, so it is essential to cover your cough and sneeze, and maintain personal space. People infected with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19 infection. (source: CDC)

There is no vaccine to prevent this virus, and the CDC advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed.

Here are everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% rubbing alcohol.

• Avoiding touching of eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Covering mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; immediately discarding used tissues in a trashcan.

• If tissues are not readily available, the cough or sneeze may be caught by the sleeve at the elbow or shoulder.  Remove mucus or debris with a tissue and then wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Change or cover clothing contaminated with mucus to prevent spreading.

• Washing or sanitizing hands after using tissues and after contact with respiratory secretions.

• Wash hands after interacting with people, touching high volume places (door handles, tables, shopping carts, gas pumps, etc.), before eating, and once you arrive home.

• Avoid shaking hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Recommendations for people with respiratory symptoms

If you have symptoms of fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing and in the last 14 days you:

Traveled to Wuhan or visited an affected region in China, or

Visited an affected region in another affected country, or

Had close contact with someone who had traveled to an affected region in China or other affected country, and had respiratory symptoms

You should:

• Self-isolate to avoid contact with others.

• Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room,call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms. Please do not utilize public transportation or just arrive at a healthcare provider’s office.

• Do not travel while sick.

Follow the S.C. DHEC website for updated informationhttps://www.scdhec.gov/health/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

Monitor the CDC link to track cases in the U.S. and globallyhttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/

Travel Information

Travel advisories continue to change. Please monitor the CDC and WHO websites for up-to-date information on travel restrictions.

World Health Organization travel advice:

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/travel-advice

WHO is publishing daily situation reports on the evolution of the outbreak.

CDC Information for travel: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/COVID-19/travelers/index.html