FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS | RECOMMENDATIONS
FREQUENTELY ASKED QUESTIONS
UPDATED MARCH 3, 2020
WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS?
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses known to cause disease in humans. The infection can be similar to the common flu or present itself as a more serious illness, such as pneumonia.
WHAT IS THIS NOVEL CORONAVIRUS?
The novel coronavirus, called Covid-19, appeared in Wuhan, a city in China, in December 2019. This new agent had never been identified in humans, having caused an outbreak in the city of Wuhan. The source of the infection remians unknown.
HOW COVID-19 IS SPREAD?
The transmission route is still under research. Person-to-person transmission has been confirmed, although no further details are known.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS?
Infected people may experience signs and symptoms of acute respiratory infection such as fever, cough and shortness of breath.
In more severe cases it can lead to severe pneumonia with acute respiratory failure, kidney and other organ failure or even death.
DO I NEED TO WEAR A FACE MASK IF I'M IN PUBLIC?
According to the current situation in Portugal, the use of a face mask for individual protection is not indicated, except in the following situations:
people with symptoms of respiratory infection (coughing or sneezing);
suspected COVID-19 patients;
people providing care to suspected COVID-19 patients.
WHAT IS THE INCUBATION PERIOD FOR COVID-19?
The incubation period is still under research.
WHAT IS THE RISK?
The risk assessment is constantly updating in accordance with the evolution of the outbreak. The Regional Directorate for Health frequently issues press releases with summarised information and the latest recommendations.
IS THERE A VACCINE FOR COVID-19?
There is currently no vaccine available for COVID-19. As it is a new virus, research is in progress for its development.
HOW IS COVID-19 TREATED?
The treatment for infections with the novel coronavirus will focus on signs and symptoms.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF?
As no cases have been reported in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, specific protective measures are not indicated.
In affected locations, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends hygiene measures, respiratory etiquette and food safety practices to reduce exposure and transmission of the disease:
avoid close contact with people with signs of acute respiratory infections;
wash hands frequently, especially after direct contact with sick people;
adopt respiratory etiquette measures: cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing (always with a tissue or with your arm and never with your hands, and dispose of the tissue in the waste basket);
wash your hands whenever you blow your nose, sneeze or cough;
WHAT IS CLOSE CONTACT?
Healthcare-associated exposure, including:
providing direct care to COVID-19 patients;
working with COVID-19 samples in laboratory environment;
visiting patients or staying in the same environment as a COVID-19 patient;
being in close proximity to or sharing the same environment with a COVID-19 infected patient (ex: classroom);
Travelling with a COVID-19 infected patient:
On an aircraft:
◦2 seats to the left of the patient, 2 seats to the right of the patient, two seats in the two consecutive rows ahead of the patient and two seats in the two consecutive rows behind the patient;
◦Travel companions of the infected patient;
◦Provision of direct care to infected patients;
◦Cabin crew members on duty in the patient's section;
◦In case of a patient with severe symptoms or who has moved about the cabin, all passengers are considered as close contact;
On a ship:
◦Travel companions;
◦Sharing the same cabin;
◦Providing direct care to infected patients;
◦Cabin crew members on duty in the patient's section;
The Health Authority may consider as close contact other individuals not defined in the aforementioned situations (case-by-case assessment).
AS A TRAVELLER, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
The WHO does not currently recommend travel and trade restrictions to China;
If you are travelling to China, you should follow the recommendations of the country's health authorities and the WHO recommendations, referred to in: "HOW
CAN I PROTECT MYSELF?";
Travellers returning from affected areas with symptoms of respiratory illness, during or after the trip, should, before seeking health services, call the Azores Health Line (808 24 60 24) to inform about their health condition and travel history and should follow the recommendations issues by this service.
IS IT SAFE TO ORDER PRODUCTS FROM CHINA?
Coronaviruses do not survive for long periods on objects. People receiving parcels or letters from China are not at risk of being infected with the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
IS IT SAFE TO ORDER PRODUCTS FROM CHINA?
Yes, it is safe according to the World Health Organisation. As of now, the spreading of the disease through contact with surfaces or objects is not known, so the precautions to be taken are those related to general hygiene measures.
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?
Visit the DGS, ECDC or WHO websites.
CORONAVIRUS - RECOMMENDATIONS
UPDATED MARCH 3, 2020
The Regional Directorate for Health reinforces the recommendations previously issued for travellers:
• Follow the recommendations of the country's health authorities;
• Avoid close contact with people with signs of acute respiratory infections;
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water, scrubbing them for at least 20 seconds, especially after direct contact with sick people;
• Avoid contact with animals;
• Adopt respiratory etiquette measures:
• Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing (always with a tissue or with your arm and never with your hands);
• Dispose of the tissue in the waste basket;
• Wash your hands whenever you blow your nose, sneeze or cough;
• Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth with hands dirty or contaminated with respiratory secretions.
- On return, travellers who have visited China or another affected location in the last 14 days and have symptoms of fever, cough and possible breathing difficulties, should, before seeking health services, call the Azores Health Azores line (808 24 60 24), a service prepared to guide and provide information to travellers and the population in general.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends travellers leaving Portugal to register their trips using the "Traveller Registration" application, which is voluntary and free of charge, which will facilitate the action of Portuguese authorities in the event of possible emergencies with national citizens abroad.
https://www.portaldascomunidades.mne.pt/pt/gabinete-de-emergencia-consular-gec.