Stuck in China due to the coronavirus travel ban

This Chinese New Year has been dampened by news from China as well as all around the world on the escalation of the coronavirus infection rate. The hike in the coronavirus infection rate may be caused by transmission from humans whom do not show any symptoms of infection.

The coronavirus, was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. The incubation period of the coronavirus is between 2 to 14 days and it remains contagious during this time notwithstanding the person showing no symptoms at all. Symptoms include fever, coughing and breathing difficulties and it can be fatal.

How does the coronavirus spread?

While we don’t yet understand the particulars of how this virus spreads, according to this recent Harvard Medical blog, coronaviruses usually spread through droplets containing large particles that typically can only be suspended in the air for three to six feet before dissipating.

The coronavirus is thought to be spread via droplets when a person coughs or sneezes. The droplets land on surfaces and are picked up on the hands of others and spread further. People catch the virus when they touch their infected hands to their mouth, nose or eyes.

What are the things you should do to protect against coronavirus infection

So what are the things that you could do to protect you and your family from getting infected with the coronavirus? Below is a list of things (in no particular order) that you can do to protect you and your family from getting infected with the coronavirus:

Stay at home as much as possible. Avoid crowded areas.
If you have to go out, wear a good surgical mask (not those flimsy ones), goggles and disposable gloves.
Avoid shaking hands or cheek kissing if you suspect viruses are circulating.
Keep your hands clean by washing them frequently with soap and water or a hand sanitising gel or anti-bacterial wipes.
Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands.
Always wash your hands before you eat.

Useful Chinese Words and Phrases

Being stuck in a foreign land can be difficult and inconvenient, especially if you don’t understand the language. Below are some Chinese words and phrases that could assist you:

Words	Chinese	Pinyin	Audio
Mask	口罩	Kǒuzhào	Audio
Gloves	手套	Shǒutào	Audio
Tissue Paper	棉纸	Mián zhǐ	Audio
Hand sanitizer gel	洗手液	Xǐshǒu yè	Audio
Anti-bacterial wet wipes	抗菌湿巾	Kàngjùn shī jīn	Audio
Goggles	风镜	Fēngjìng	Audio
Washroom	洗手间	Xǐshǒujiān	Audio
Soap	肥皂	Féizào	Audio