DEAFWIRE SPECIAL CORONAVIRUS 3 April 2020

Hello, today's DeafWire investigates the difference between quarantine and isolation. Every day we look at the statistics of the coronavirus pandemic; the new cases, number of deaths, total counts identified, percentage increases and fatality ratios. It is hard to ignore it but the numbers help us understand how the disease is spreading and how it is affecting each country. In situation like this, it is essential to stay informed but an avalanche of information can be scary, overwhelming and confusing. The main goal is to slow down the transmission of the COVID-19, however, security measurements vary from country to country. Most governments all over the world are following the advice of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control by asking their citizens to stay home, and practise social distancing. During the outbreak, two terms that is being brought up frequently are quarantine and isolation. It may be confusing but it is important to understand the difference. Both words, quarantine and isolation, in everyday conversation might mean the same but for health professionals, there is an important distinction between quarantine and isolation. Quarantine takes stricter approach to separate and restrict movement of people who have been exposed to contagious disease to watch and see if they become sick. With the current pandemic, people who come home from abroad is to quarantine themselves for 14 days to ensure they are not sick or able to pass it on; or those who were exposed to the virus; or showing symptoms of the virus. Quarantining means staying put and away from people including no shopping, eating out, socialising, and visiting social places. The only exception is to go out for some fresh air. As for isolation, it method to help stop the spread of disease by separating sick people from people who are not sick. In most cases, is often voluntary and for most people that are not sick to stay home and go out only for essentials. If someone has COVID-19 symptoms, it is important to isolate in another room (separate bedroom and bathroom if possible) away from other household members. This includes separating or individualising dishes, drinking glasses, eating utensils, towels and bedding. It is recommended that healthy people take into account of not sharing these things at home. H3 will continue to share information to ensure your health and safety. Stay safe and thank you for watching DeafWire.