Working together to fight the Coronavirus.
Let’s get back to the beach!
Photos by @cottonbro
The entire world has been affected by the recent outbreak of COVID-19 otherwise known as the Coronavirus. The virus does not discriminate against age, race or country and it is up to us as humans to do our part. In Morocco, community is something that still holds a lot of value. It is in this time more than ever we need to work together globally as a community to help prevent the spread of this virus and keep the world moving forward in a positive and revolutionary way.
Morocco has now closed it’s borders to the rest of the world and we have been advised to self isolate here in Essaouira. As a community, we are taking this very seriously, and we ask the rest of the world to do the same. The faster we can resolve the virus the faster we can get back to the beach!
It is no secret that Morocco, Western Sahara and elsewhere in Africa the health care system is not at the same level as other parts of the world and in rural areas, like anywhere there isn’t always access. For this reason, there are certain habits and traditions long used in Morocco that help prevent the spread of illness. Anyone who has shared a tajine with a local may know the rule “Eat in front of your house”. Here in Morocco taking extra care in avoiding illness is a common habit but more than ever we all need to be extra careful.
In this post the advice given will be under direct advisement from the World Health Organization as this is a global issue beyond local customs.
We want to thank the healthcare professionals around the world, risking their lives for the greater good of humanity, the Moroccan government for acting fast to protect the people within Morocco as well as all parties, governments, organizations and people globally doing their part to protect our society.
Below is a list of basic measures (taken from WHO website) to fight against the new coronavirus, or anytime to prevent other viruses from spreading for that matter. Most are pretty much common knowledge but a reminder can always help.
Let’s work to keep everyone safe and get back to our daily surf and kite sessions!!
How to Protect Yourself and Others During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Stay Home.
If it is possible for you to stay home, please do so. Try to arrange with your employer to work from home. Leave your home only for essential needs and limit your interaction with other people. More importantly, if you feel unwell, stay home and avoid infecting other people regardless of illness.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
You should always stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority. National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility or procedure to follow. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections. DO NOT ENTER a hospital before screening with a professional as this puts vulnerable people at high risk.
Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with warm water and soap. Sing Happy Birthday to yourself to be sure you have washed long enough. Use along with an alcohol-based hand rub. This helps to kill viruses and germs that may be on your hands.
Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing or anyone for that matter. Avoid close interaction for the time being. Please follow most current directions of your local authorities.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Contaminated hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face.
Practice respiratory hygiene
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Please do not spit in the street.
Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider
Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
While it is a difficult time, remember to be kind!
Stay connected while separated! Check in with your older and more vulnerable friends and family. Offer to help run errands or other needs they may have to reduce their risk of infection. Just a simple phone call or facetime may help to alleviate the feelings of loneliness as a result of isolation.
Protection measures for persons who are at risk for Coronavirus (COVID-19) or been in contact with those at risk
- Follow the guidance outlined above.
- Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover. Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.
- If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers. Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. Do not go directly to hospital unless you have an emergency as you pose a high risk vulnerable people, inform the medical professionals immediately of your concern to properly contain spread.
For further information regarding latest news, myths and advisement regarding the virus check the WHO website.
For travelers stuck within Morocco / Essaouira
Please contact your country’s Embassy for more information on how to proceed, check local and your home country’s government websites for news and up to date information. Also, you may want to call your traveler insurance company to know medical coverage you have. Please also note we have been advised to stay isolated. Please note many shops and public facilities have been closed along with public gatherings.
Emergency & Important Numbers within Morocco
Please use these numbers only in an emergency situation, such as shortness of breath, fire, severe injury or other urgent matters. Please leave the healthcare workers to those in need and avoid overwhelming medical care.
Ambulance 15
Fire 15
Police (city) 19
Gendarmerie (police outside cities) 177
Ministry of Health Assistance Number 141 / +212 (0) 801 004 747
