Name: COVID-19 (or coronavirus) | Status: Pandemic (WHO) | Vaccine: Now available, even in the Maltese Islands (as of late December 2020).
Affects: Respiratory system | Transmission: Primarily via coughing / sneezing and other direct contact with already infected persons.
Common Symptoms: Fever, cough and shortness of breath. Can take between 2 to 14 days (possibly longer) to develop. Affected persons can also be asymptomatic.
Elderly and Vulnerable: Avoid leaving your residence unless in cases of emergency.
Questions: People with symptoms or suspicion of COVID-19 should contact the Public Health Authority on freephone 111 or +356 2132 4086.
Protection practices:
- Wash your hands thoroughly for a minimum of twenty (20) seconds
- Whenever possible, make sure to keep at least one (1), if possible two (2) metre/s distance from other people
- Make use of alcohol-based hand sanitising disinfectants
- Make sure to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
- Dispose of used tissues immediately and appropriately
- If this is not possible, use the inner side of your flexed elbow to cover your nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing
- Avoid coughing or sneezing in your hands as this will potentially cross-contaminate other people / objects in the vicinity
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth prior to washing your hands
- Freephone - 111
- Public Health Authority - +356 2132 4086
- University Students - Registrar's Office
- University Staff - HRMD
- Ministry for Health - Official COVID-19 Info Page
- Wellbeing advice - UM Health & Wellness Centre
This advice is meant as a guideline only and should not be used in lieu of expert medical advice. Furthermore, information contained herein is correct at the time of publishing and is subject to change and may change in the future.