Coronavirus disease has disrupted world order, and brought uncertain alarm to the human race worldwide and the global economy. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this rapidly spreading virus outbreak a pandemic. Many are in a panic, and countries are grappling with the rise in confirmed cases and how the spread of this disease can be stopped by aggressive action.

In this article, we will define what is this viral disease, who is at risk, how it can be prevented and how you can start taking immediate action to protect yourself and others around you.

What is Coronavirus?

“Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).”(1)

However, according to the World Health Organization, the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new infectious strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans. 

Symptoms of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

According to the CDC, “Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.” The virus causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as: 

• Cough 
• Fever
• Runny Nose 
• Sore Throat 
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing (Severe cases)
• In more severe cases, pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, death

The following symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath may appear 2-14 days after exposure. (2)

How did the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak start?

The source of the coronavirus is believed to be a “wet market” in Wuhan China which sold both dead and live animals including fish and birds. 

Such markets pose a high risk of viruses jumping from animals to humans because of poor hygienic standards which are difficult to maintain. This is especially true if these live animals are being kept and butchered on site.

The animal source of the latest outbreak has not yet been identified or confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO), but the original host is thought to be bats. Bats were not sold at the Wuhan market but may have infected live chickens or other animals sold there.

A world-renowned author Ellen G. White wrote over 100 years ago in her book, The Ministry of Healing, “Flesh was never the best food; but its use is now doubly objectionable, since disease in animals is so rapidly increasing.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that you avoid eating raw or undercooked meat or animal organs, as well as avoid contact with live animals and surfaces they may have touched if you’re visiting live markets in areas that have recently had new coronavirus cases.

This range of zoonotic diseases poses a huge threat if humans continue to be consumers of animal flesh. Consuming animal flesh not only poses the risk of contracting infectious diseases but also increases the risk of developing other deadly diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, which on average kills more people than common viruses.

Who is at risk?

More than 197,800 people are known to be infected and over 7,950 deaths have been recorded worldwide. The good news is that, out of all these people known to be affected worldwide, over 81,695 have recovered. That being the case, about 80 percent of people recover from COVID-19 without needing hospitalization or special treatment.

According to data from the Chinese authorities, around 80 percent of cases of the disease are mild, 20 percent require hospitalization, and the death rate has varied by country. Considering these statistics, who should be really worried about this virus?

According to the WHO “Illness due to COVID-19 infection is generally mild, especially for children and young adults. However, it can cause serious illness: about 1 in every 5 people who catch it need hospital care.” (4)

Interestingly, the death rate starts to increase for those over 50 years of age. Those under 50 years of age who are infected have a fatality rate of 0.2-0.4%, while for those 50-59 years it’s 1.3%.

For those 60-69 years it’s 3.6%, for 70-79 year olds it’s 8.0%, and for those over 80 years of age it is 14.8%.

Elderly people with underlying medical conditions or low immunity are especially at risk. About 80% of people who died from the virus in China were over the age of 60, and 75% had pre-existing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or lung disease, according to early information from China’s National Health Commission.

Others at risk are healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19, and those in close contact with others infected.

How can you prevent Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)?

If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health condition, the CDC has made this of urgent importance for you to take action to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC) recommends: 

• Stock up on supplies.
• Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
• When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
• Avoid crowds as much as possible.
• Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
• During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.

How can you help prevent the spread of coronavirus disease?

Take everyday preventive actions:

• Practice good hygiene and keep clean.
• Clean your hands often.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
• Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects. 
• Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones)
• Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
• Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. 
• Avoid all non-essential travel including plane trips, and especially avoid embarking on cruise ships.
• Most importantly, build your immune system naturally.

Steps to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) if you are sick.

• Stay home except to receive medical help.
• Separate yourself from other people in your home. 
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Monitor your symptoms closely.
• Call ahead before visiting your doctor.
• Build your immune system naturally
• Wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g. sharing a room or vehicle). 
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
• Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening. 

What are the steps to take if you have the Coronavirus?

• Build a strong immune system naturally.
• Eat whole plant-based foods.
• Expose yourself to sunlight daily.
• Drink lots of pure water as recommended daily.
• Get enough rest nightly to boost the immune system.
• Stop eating animal flesh.
• Trust in God and pray daily for a speedy recovery.
  
  

The Bible foretold in the book of Matthew 24:7 that we will see an increase of pestilences, which are plagues and diseases in times like these. Would you believe that this is just the beginning of sorrows? We pray that you will take serious precautions against the coronavirus, as well as make a complete lifestyle change, and live to please God daily.

References:
(1) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
(2) This is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses
(3) World Health Organization: Coronaviruses