What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). First identified in 2019 in Wuhan, China, and has since spread globally.

How does it spread?

Well, being a respiratory disease spreads through respiratory droplets. If someone with the virus sneezes or coughs on you, leaving respiratory droplets on your skin or clothing, or you touch someone who has the virus on their skin or clothing. You then touch your face, which gives the virus an entry point via your mouth, nose, or eyes.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The following symptoms may appear

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

            (This list is not all-inclusive.)

Who is at a higher risk of COVID-19?

Older adults & people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID -19.

Does any case of COVID-19 have been reported in any of Himalayan treks?

As of now, there has been no report of any positive case of COVID-19 in any Himalayan treks.

What are some precautionary measures to avoid COVID-19?

• Frequent hand wash.
• Maintain a distance of 1 meter if someone is coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose & mouth without hand wash.

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) USA

“The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community that is in some affected geographic areas.” –CDC

This simply means that the virus is not in the air, but it is transferred from person to person contact in other words if you come in contact with  COVID-19 infected person or touch anything which contains COVID-19 infected respiratory droplets then you may get exposure to the virus.