Information distributed by the Department of Public Health, Canarian Health Service, about the new coronavirus (COVID-19) and the situation in the Canary Islands.
The coronavirus is part of a family of viruses that normally affects animals, even though, in some cases, it can be transmitted to humans, as is the case with COVID-19, which is this new strain which hadn’t been seen before in humans.
The most common symptoms in COVID-19 include a cough, a sore throat, a fever, a sensation of shortness of breath. In serious cases breathing difficulties will also be present, etc.
The coronavirus can be caught through direct contact with infected animals or via close-contact respiratory excretions from a cough or sneeze by an infected person, which then enter the nose, eyes or mouth.
There is no specific treatment for this virus, but there are many measures we can take to control the symptoms, and the assistance of health personnel may be recommended.
The best forms of protection against infection are:
- Frequent hand washing, with water, soap or alcohol-based solutions.
- Avoid close contact with anyone showing signs of a respiratory illness (coughing, sneezing).
- Keep a distance of a least a metre from anyone with signs of a serious respiratory ailment.
- If you have a respiratory illness avoid close contact with other people.
- When coughing or sneezing cover your mouth and your nose, using disposable tissues, and wash your hands afterwards.
- There are no measures indicated regarding pets or food.
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
If you have symptoms and have been travelling to or from a risk zone, contact your health service by phone.
Don’t add to or spread false rumours – these are more damaging than the virus. Consult official sources if you want reliable and truthful information.
Further information from:
Canarian Health Service: The Canarian Government have activated a free information line to address any doubts you may have: 900 112 061.
Department of Health, Government of Spain.
World Health Organisation (WHO).
Good practice guide for the tourism sector and workers
The national Minister for Tourism from the Department of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, has outlined, under the coordination of the Department of Health and with the participation of the sector, a good practices guide for establishments and workers in the Spanish tourism sector, the aim being to see what can be done in the face of the situation created by the COVID-19 coronavirus
The guide is a tool to assist business activity and work-places and at the same time protect the health of personnel and their clients. The development of the guide has also taken the instructions and recommendations of the Department of Health into account.
As wellas the general basic measures, it will include those specifically designed for tourist stay destinations. At the same time it also includes instructions when a case of the virus is confirmed, channels of communication, and information flow.
