WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS?
The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 1, 2019, and the cause was a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 at the time. SARS-CoV-2 may have started in an animal and evolved (mutated) into a virus that can infect people. Viruses that originated in birds, pigs, bats, and other animals changed to become hazardous to people in the past, causing multiple infectious disease outbreaks. However, COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a virus-related illness or infection. This virus is a brand-new coronavirus that has swept the globe, and it is assumed to spread primarily from person to person.
Public Safety Awareness
SYMPTOMS
COVID-19 has been linked to a broad spectrum of symptoms, from mild to moderate pain to serious illness. Symptoms might emerge anywhere from 2 to 14 days after being exposed to the virus. Symptoms might range from moderate to severe. COVID-19 is a virus that causes these symptoms in people such as:
MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS:
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fever
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dry cough
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and loss of taste or smell
LESS COMMON SYMPTOMS:
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sore throat
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headache
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aches and pains
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and diarrhea
SERIOUS SYMPTOMS:
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difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
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loss of speech or mobility
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confusion
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and chest pain
PREVENTION
What can I do to protect myself and others from COVID-19?
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Stay at home as possible.
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Avoid crowds and close contact.
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Do social distancing.
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Wear a properly fitted mask when physical distancing is not possible.
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Clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based rub or soap and water.
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Cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
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If you develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, self-isolate until you recover.
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Get vaccinated as soon as it’s your turn and follow local guidance on vaccination.
The COVID-19 vaccine was developed swiftly, but it was thoroughly tested to ensure its safety. The COVID-19 vaccines were thoroughly tested for safety and efficacy during development. Also, the vaccines were created utilizing techniques that have been tested and proven over a long period and are meant to quickly produce and extensively test vaccinations in an infectious disease pandemic like COVID-19.
Vaccines imitate the bacteria or viruses that cause sickness and enable the body to produce antibodies in response. Once infected with the disease-causing virus or bacteria, these antibodies will defend them. These are the different vaccines that will help you in preventing mild to severe cases of COVID-19: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, CoronaVac, Johnson, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sputnik Light, Novavax, and Sputnik V.
Contact
DOH launched the DOH COVID-19 emergency hotlines 02-894-COVID (02-894-26843) and 1555 in collaboration with the DILG's National Emergency Hotline, PLDT, and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. The free 24/7 services will be available through 02-894-COVID. Subscribers to Smart and PLDT will also be able to use the 1555 hotline for free. Once technical adjustments are completed, subscribers from other networks will be able to call the 1555 hotline.
Callers can ask inquiries if they think they have been infected with COVID-19 or ask for help if have symptoms or know they have been exposed to confirmed cases or patients under investigation. The COVID-19 Emergency Operations Center and other relevant entities receive the information from emergency calls for prompt facilitation and response.