India, April 14, 2020: As the global community combats the COVID-19 pandemic together, Twitter is helping people find reliable information, connect, and follow what’s happening in real-time. The service has open lines of communication with the World Health Organization (@WHO), and other relevant authorities, to ensure access to credible information is available to the public-at-large.
In fact over the past few weeks, more than six million questions were tweeted about coronavirus/COVID-19. To ensure the public has access to credible information, Twitter recently collaborated with the World Health Organization (@WHO) for a Q&A covering the most commonly asked questions about this global health emergency.
Here are some of the questions with responses as Tweeted by the World Health Organization (@WHO):
Can young people get infected?
People of all ages can be infected, get sick and transmit the #coronavirus. Older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill. We are all at risk so we all have a part to play.
Embeddable link: https://twitter.com/Twitter/status/1247542372721803268
How is#COVID19 treated?
To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicines against #COVID19. However, some people with a serious illness may need to be hospitalized to receive life-saving treatment such as oxygen. Most patients recover thanks to such care.
Embeddable link: https://twitter.com/Twitter/status/1247542374139490304
Can you still have#COVID19 if you don’t have symptoms?
Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms. Most people (about 80 per cent) recover from the disease without needing hospital treatment.
Embeddable link: https://twitter.com/Twitter/status/1247542375553081344
Is it ok to exercise outside?
We recommend 30 minutes of activity a day for adults and one hour a day for children. If your local guidelines allow it, go outside for a walk, run, or bike ride and keep a safe distance from others. If you can’t leave the house, find an exercise video online, dance, or do some yoga.
Embeddable link: https://twitter.com/Twitter/status/1247542379768242179
What supplies should everyone have on hand if areas go into lockdown?
Store supplies of water and food you need, and check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home. Do not hoard or stockpile. Be kind and think of others.
Embeddable link: https://twitter.com/Twitter/status/1247542381248839680
Will#COVID19 die down during the warmer months?
You can catch #COVID19 no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Countries with hot weather have reported cases of COVID-19. To protect yourself, make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
Embeddable link: https://twitter.com/Twitter/status/1247542382679056387
Can normal laundry washing get rid of#COVID19?
Yes. Do the laundry as you normally would with detergent or soap and preferably hot water. #COVID19
Embeddable link: https://twitter.com/Twitter/status/1247542384533045248
Are face masks effective?
Face masks alone cannot protect you from #COVID19. Their use should always be combined with other protective measures, including staying at least 1m (3 feet) away from others and frequent hand-washing.
Embeddable link:https://twitter.com/Twitter/status/1247542385602674689
When should we expect a vaccine?
It usually takes several years to develop a vaccine. The first #COVID19 vaccine trial began just 60 days after the genetic sequence of the virus was published.
Embeddable link: https://twitter.com/Twitter/status/1247542386848419840
For the latest information, follow the@WHO on Twitter and this list of official local health organizations around the world.
In India, Twitter is working with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (@MoHFW_INDIA), various State Governments to upskill various departments on COVID response management. The service has also supported and enabled the government of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh to set-up dedicated COVID-Response accounts.
Follow them here: DIPR Karnataka, Maharashtra Control room, Jharkhand COVID Helpline, UP Covid helpline.