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EHS ALERT Environmental, Health & Safety Alert

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EHS ALERT # 4

What is a Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. These viruses are transmitted
between animals and people. This novel coronavirus, currently named 2019-nCoV, is a new strain that had not been previously identified in humans.

Date and First Area of Occurrence: The source of the coronavirus is believed to be a seafood market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan. The city's health
commission said the infection broke out between December 12 and 29, 2019. The animal source of the outbreak has not been identified but two recent research
papers have pointed to bats and snakes as the possible culprits.

How Can this Virus Spread?

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Ref.: IENG/EHS ALERT/004/19
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i engineering
EHS ALERT Environmental, Health & Safety Alert
What are the symptoms of someone infected with a Coronavirus?

Common signs include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia,
severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

What is the Infection to Death Ratio & Where has it Spread?

Currently, there are more than 4,666 known cases. At least 131 people have died. Most experts expect this number to rise and there is concern that China is not
being honest about the spread and potential impact of the virus. The Infection to Death Ratio is 2.8%!

Is there a vaccine for a novel coronavirus?

When a disease is new, there is no vaccine until one is developed. It can take a number of years for a new vaccine to be developed. Also, there is no specific
treatment for disease caused by a novel coronavirus. However, many of the symptoms can be treated and therefore treatment based on the patient’s clinical
condition. Moreover, supportive care for infected persons can be highly effective.

What can I do to protect myself?

Standard recommendations to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses include maintaining basic hand and respiratory hygiene.
• Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap.
• Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.

The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Avoiding close contact, when possible, with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory
illness such as coughing and sneezing.

Ref.: IENG/EHS ALERT/004/19