It is a new virus that was first identified in the city of Wuhan in China, in 2019. It belongs to the family of coronaviruses. Even though within the same family of coronaviruses there are several widespread viruses that cause a “common cold” – which is considered a non-life-threatening condition – this virus, as well as the genetically related SARS virus which emerged in 2002, usually cause a more severe clinical picture in patients.

The new coronavirus has been named SARS-CoV-2 to highlight its relation/similarity with the SARS virus which also brought about severe problems. The virus disease was named COVID-19 based on the initials of the CΟrona VΙrus Disease which emerged in 2019.

 

Like other respiratory infections, the new coronavirus can cause mild respiratory disease symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, cough and fever. In many people the disease of the new coronavirus might be completely asymptomatic, especially in young people with no underlying diseases. Some people, though, might present with more severe symptoms which can cause pneumonia or shortness of breath and the patient might need to be hospitalized. More rarely it can cause death. The people who are more susceptible to the virus and at increased risk for serious illness from it, are elderly people and people with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, and heart disease.

 

 3. How is the virus transmitted?

The virus seems to be transmitted via respiratory droplets or infected secretions which are produced while sneezing, coughing or breathing out. These droplets can settle on the mucous membranes of the nose or mouth of people who are in close proximity (usually less than one metre), or even penetrate the lungs during inhalation.

Frequent washing of hands with soap and water is very important. If hands are not visibly dirty from secretions or other organic matter, one can also wash their hands with a 70% alcohol solution.

 

  4. How long does the virus survive on surfaces?

The virus can survive on surfaces from a few hours (bronze, paper) to a few days (plastic and stainless steel). However, the quantity of active virus on these surfaces decreases over time and therefore there may not be enough active virus left on the surface, so as to cause infection.

 

 

  6. When can a patient transmit the virus?

Contagion may begin one to two days before the onset of symptoms. The most infectious period is the phase in which there are symptoms, even mild. The transmissibility of asymptomatic cases is difficult to assess. The viral load that asymptomatic people carry in their nasopharynx is comparable to that of symptomatic ones, which indicates the potential for transmission of the virus. Some mathematical models have also shown that asymptomatic patients may play an important role in transmitting the virus. However, there are still many unanswered questions and uncertainty concerning this possibility.

 

 7. Can the virus be transmitted from food (restaurant food, frozen or packaged food) or drinking water?
Up to now, there is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted to anyone through eating or managing food. It is possible for someone to get infected with the virus if they touch an infected surface or object such as packaged food whose surface is infected, and then touch the mouth, nose or eyes with their infected hands. Therefore, handwashing is crucial after touching potentially contaminated surfaces. In addition, there is no evidence that people can get infected by drinking water. The virus has not been detected in drinking water, to date. Conventional water purification methods (with filters or disinfection), such as those used by most municipal authorities, remove or kill the virus successfully.

  8. Can I prevent the disease by using antibiotics?
No, antibiotics cannot protect you from viruses. Antibiotics can protect you from bacteria. This specific pathogen is a virus; therefore, antibiotics do not have any effect.

 9. What are the symptoms of the new coronavirus disease?
The disease caused by the virus varies in severity from completely asymptomatic to the onset of symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, generalized weakness, myalgias, taste and anosmia. It can also cause gastrointestinal disorders such as vomiting or diarrhea. 

 

Most patients present with mild symptoms. In more serious cases, patients can develop severe pneumonia, severe respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, which can even lead to death. A patient's clinical deterioration can occur rapidly, usually in the second week of illness.

 10. Are there people who are more likely to develop severe symptoms?
In general, elderly people and people with underlying chronic conditions (e.g. hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, liver disease, and chronic respiratory diseases) are more likely to develop severe symptoms.

According to the updated definition of a case, by the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Cyprus Ministry of Health (15/7/2020) and the update by the ECDC, a patient should present with at least one of the following symptoms:

Additionally, less specific symptoms include: headache, myalgia, chills, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea.

 12. When is someone considered a confirmed COVID-19 case?
A person in a clinical sample who is detected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus nucleic acid is a confirmed case.

 13. Is there any treatment for the new coronavirus disease?
There is no specific cure for the virus. The treatment that is provided is supportive (if necessary: respiratory support, fluid or antiviral medications). Corticosteroids have recently been shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients.

 14. What does it mean to have had contact with the virus?
A person who has had contact with the virus is a person who does not currently have symptoms of the disease, and/but may have had contact with a patient infected with the virus. This patient might have clinical disease symptoms or be asymptomatic.

 16. What measures are recommended by the Ministry of Health for the management of contact with high risk exposure?
Self-isolation and active monitoring by Public Health Authorities for a period of 14 days after the last exposure to the disease.
• Daily monitoring for symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath.
• Instructions to avoid social contacts.
• Instructions to avoid traveling or public transport.

 17. I plan to travel to an area that has an increased number of cases. Should I cancel my trip?
Based on current data, countries are categorised every week into three categories (low, medium and high risk). You can see more about how passengers from each of the three categories are treated upon arrival at: www.pio.gov.cy/coronavirus/en/fly.html 

Trips that are not absolutely necessary is best be avoided, especially to countries listed to B or C category. Travellers coming from Category B countries, in addition to the virus negative certificate they should bring with them, are advised to self-isolate for approximately 7 days after their arrival and be tested for the virus with the PCR method at the end of the 7 days. People from category C countries, in addition to the virus negative certificate they should bring with them, should remain in self-isolation for 14 days, and take a new test with the PCR method through the nasopharynx at the end of this period.

Based on new travel instructions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, find here all the INFORMATION FOR ALL STAKEHOLDERS CONCERNING FLIGHTS FROM/TO THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS

   -     Members of the academic community may contact the Safety, Health and Environment Sector of the University (tel. +357 22894147, mob.: +357 99419007) for guidance and advice.

Emergency Contact Numbers for management and immediate action:
Health Centers UCY: +357 22895270 University Campus, +357 22895280 Kallipoleos
Safety, Health and Environment Sector: +357 22894147, Mob.: +357 99419007

 

  

 

The use of a surgical mask is now mandatory in closed spaces and crowded areas based on the decision by the Ministry of Health and the University.