Preventing Infections At Shelters
Experts say people should be on the alert for possible outbreaks of infectious diseases at evacuation shelters. They say people should not only worry about the coronavirus but also food poisoning.
Professor Kaku Mitsuo of Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University compiled a list of guidelines for food poisoning and other infectious diseases after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
The professor says the same guidelines can be applied to the coronavirus. He says evacuees should wear masks to prevent droplets from spreading.
If they have a fever, feel nauseous, have a sore throat or any other cold-like symptoms, they should not hesitate to consult with health care workers or whoever is in charge at the shelter.
At evacuation centers, people should always eat heated food, use a clean cup when drinking water, always wash and sanitize their hands before eating food. The changing of a baby's diaper needs to be done in a designated area.