With a global emergency declared by the World Health Organization, are there special precautions St. Thomas and area residents should take to avoid infection? Steve Bond, designated manager at Yurek Pharmacy in St. Thomas, says the current outbreak is due to a family of viruses known as a Coronavirus, four strains which have been known since the 1960’s.
With over 200 deaths attributed to the coronavirus, Bond stresses the risk is still low for most people in the province.
Bond says much like the common cold, there are currently no vaccines or treatments for coronaviruses. Antibiotics are ineffective as this is a virus and not a bacteria.
Although the risk of catching the coronavirus is low for St. Thomas and area residents, Bond advises coronaviruses are not going away anytime soon but there are simple precautions you can take.
Bond adds if you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others. Sneeze or cough into a tissue or the bend in your elbow and not your hands. Bond says the best treatment still remains vigilance and prevention.
