Ideally, it is recommended to stay at least one meter away from symptomatic persons of COVID-19 to reduce the risk of infection through respiratory droplets.
It is important that a person who has come in contact with a suspected case to avoid touching own face with unwashed hands. This is so because the virus enters the body via the eyes, nose and/or mouth.
Immediately after contact, the first thing that should be done is to wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, cleaning the hands with alcohol-based solutions or gel is recommended.
Individuals who develop symptoms like fever, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle pain or tiredness after coming in contact with a COVID-19 confirmed/suspected case should contact a healthcare service provider preferably by telephone or online consultation if available or visit their nearest healthcare facility with due precautions. Also, maintain self isolation as recommended by the WHO guidelines.
The consulting physician would decide based on medical history whether a laboratory test for the virus is needed or not. If a person must undergo further testing, the procedure to follow and advise where and how the test can be performed will be explained by the consulting physician.