To avoid catching a virus

The spread of the corona virus has not reached epidemic proportions in the Middle East, but the region should not rest upon that “comfortable” thought and passively wait for the threat to taper off.

A few cases have been reported in Jordan and several other countries in the region, while Saudi Arabia has the highest number of cases registered.

Worldwide, there have been 495 cases so far. Of these, 141 people died. That is a worrisome 30 per cent fatality rate, which makes the disease a real menace.

Jordan remains vulnerable to the spread of the virus due to its geographic proximity to countries that have experienced an increase in the number of cases, particularly Saudi Arabia.

What makes this new health hazard worse is the fact that this type of virus can be transmitted through animals as well, a fact that prompted our health authorities to warn the public about the urgent need to take more precautionary measures, including more thorough hygiene, to prevent getting the virus.

Washing hands, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and, above all, giving up some of our traditional style of greeting loved ones and friends could be some basic ways to avoid getting contaminated.

In Jordan, as elsewhere in the Arab world, kissing a relative, a friend or an acquaintance has become common practice. This has got to stop to prevent the spread not only of the corona virus but of other diseases as well.

To prevent catching the disease, citizens need to wash hands with soap and water regularly, refrain from touching eyes, nose or mouth, avoid drinking coffee or tea from the same cup with others — a common practice during some celebrations that really has to stop — and, above all, avoid people who are sick.

Schools should be the first to introduce some basic disease prevention steps, followed by hospitals, offices, restaurants and coffee shops.

Of course, the media need to help disseminate useful information to prevent the spread of this virus, yet another one on the long list of germs very often human beings alone can be blamed for unleashing and spreading.