Tips and information about the coronavirus on the Camino de Santiago

COVID-19 - Coronavirus Epidemic

We are in the midst of the global health crisis due to the spread of a virus that began in China and already affects many countries; what began by calling Coronavirus for a few weeks has its own name: COVID-19.

CONSIDERATION OF THE SUBJECT

In view of the social concern that the new virus "covid-19" is generating, Dr. Ángeles Fernández, member of the editorial board of the journal Peregrino, makes an analysis of the state of the issue in general and, likewise, particular.Get your thoughts from here.

HOSPITAL ADVICE

We offer Hospital Advice in various languages:

• Spanish
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To provide hospitals with minimum standards of prevention, we search the pages of the Ministries of Health, Foreign Affairs and the WHO but the indications are intended for health professionals. However, we can draw some useful information as long as we are in a hostel as a hospital – and as pilgrims as well – because we will be in contact with many people from whom we will not know their previous situations and which will force us to be rigorous in our actions.

On the one hand, we should take extreme care of any suspicious symptoms we observe on a pilgrim. Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to those of any other flu: fever, cough, sore throat, expectorations, and in some cases, difficulty breathing. If we find someone in these conditions and even if it seems exaggerated, we should call 112 and explain the situation. They will surely put all persons present under epidemiological surveillance (14 days).DO NOT GO TO THE HEALTH CENTER to prevent the spread of the virus.

On the other hand, we must promote customs of good hygiene, starting with us for our own health security. If we notice symptoms such as those described above, we should also call 112 and explain the situation.DO NOT GO TO THE HEALTH CENTER to prevent the spread of the virus.

Unfortunately and contrary to what Hospitaleros proposes but in view of the danger it may pose at this time,

• Physical contact with someone who is suffering from respiratory infections with coughing, sneezing and expectoration should be avoided, maintaining a minimum distance of one meter.
• Avoid sharing personal belongings.
• Maintain good hygiene with frequent hand washing, especially after contact with sick people and their environment, with soap and water for 20 seconds or with alcohol-based disinfectants.
• When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with your elbow bent or a disposable tissue.
• Avoid contact of hands with mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose).

These situations may occur:

• 1. Be or be in contact with a person who has been in a Coronavirus affected country. If there are symptoms, call 112.
• 2. Be informed about the disease and take hygiene measures.

The use of surgical masks is intended for sick people or in contact with patients; they do not prevent the entry of viruses into the respiratory tract.

Misinformation and prejudices about coronavirus create discrimination. Let's face it. Learn from official sources.

The Ministry of Health has information that is updated daily and can be consulted
at:https://www.mscbs.gob.es/professionals/healthPublica/ccayes/trailersActual/nCov-China/home.htm(the
Citizen Information Box)https://www.mscbs.gob.es/professionals/healthPublica/ccayes/newsCurrent/newsChina

Information in English:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidelines-for-social-or-community-care-and-trailers-on-covid-19/guidelines-for-social-or-community-care-and-trailers-on-covid-19