The World Health Organization is recommending that people take simple precautions to reduce exposure to and transmission of the Wuhan coronavirus, for which there is no specific cure or vaccine.

The UN agency advises people to:

1. Frequently wash their hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or warm water and soap

2. Cover their mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue when sneezing or coughing

3. Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever or cough

4. Seek early medical help if they have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, and share their travel history with healthcare providers

5. Avoid direct, unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals when visiting live markets in affected areas

6. Avoid eating raw or undercooked animal products and exercise care when handling raw meat, milk or animal organs to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods.

Despite a surge in sales of face masks in the aftermath of the outbreak of the coronavirus outbreak, experts are divided over whether they can prevent transmission and infection. There is some evidence to suggest that masks can help prevent hand-to-mouth transmissions, given the large number of times people touch their faces. The consensus appears to be that wearing a mask can limit – but not eliminate – the risks, provided they are used correctly.

BK