Joint live program by IUE and IZTO on ‘coronavirus’
Izmir University of Economics (IUE) and Izmir Chamber of Commerce (IZTO) streamed a live meeting in order to talk about ways to prevent from coronavirus (Covid-19) that became a global threat, and to raise a public awareness about the disease.
The live “Covid-19 Online Informative Meeting” program, moderated by Prof. Ebru Uzunoğlu, Dean of IUE Department of Communication, hosted Prof. Hakan Abacıoğlu, Dean of IUE Faculty of Medicine, as a guest. Providing detailed answers to the questions asked by Prof. Ebru Uzunoğlu and the audience regarding the virus, Prof. Abacıoğlu made life saving recommendations to citizens in the light of the latest scientific studies. The joint live program was followed by the thousands on Izmir University of Economics and Izmir Chamber of Commerce social media accounts. Indicating that coronavirus could survive on hard surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours, Prof. Abacıoğlu reminded that following basic hygiene rules was the most effective protection from the virus.
Prof. Abacıoğlu stated the following: “The virus spreads from person-to-person, through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, contaminating surfaces, and then others touching these surfaces and touching their mouth, nose, and eyes. Therefore, it is very important for people who are not well, to use a medical mask in order to protect people around them. People with respiratory disease symptoms should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and dispose the used tissue, and in cases when a tissue is not available, they should cough or sneeze into their upper sleeve, not in their hands. Practicing hand hygiene is very important for protection. We need to wash our hands frequently and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if we don’t have access to soap and water. Indoor surfaces should be disinfected frequently and ventilated properly. Virus can survive on hard surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours. It is also very important to clean frequently touched places such as door handles, elevators in common areas frequently to help prevent the spread of the virus.”
“WE ARE SPREADING THE VIRUS”
Prof. Abacıoğlu said: “It is also important to stay away from crowded and indoor places as much as possible. We should not travel unless necessary. We should remember that the virus is not spreading on its own, we are the ones spreading it. Everyone, besides those assigned by the government, should stay at home. People, who have questions and concerns about the disease, should call the Ministry of Health’s Coronavirus Hotline 184 (ALO 184). About 80% of coronavirus cases are mild. People with mild respiratory symptoms should not rush to the hospitals. This is particularly important for reducing the risk of spreading the virus in hospitals as well as reducing the workload of the health system. There is not an approved drug or vaccine for the disease currently. Drug companies and scientists are working on a medicine and vaccine at full speed. We must reduce the speed of the spreading in order to make the medical and science world gain time. We can do so by obeying the orders of the officials in a disciplined manner without panicking. We need to be understanding, patience, and supportive of the healthcare workers so they can do their job properly. This outbreak is a global problem. We can only overcome it if we all join hands and work together.”
