As part of efforts to educate the public about the novel corona virus (COVID-19) and encourage social distancing and other preventative methods the Ministry of Public Health has released a jingle.
The Ministry has not released any information on the process or people involved in the production but the catchy calypso tune urges Guyanese to “watch out for the virus.”
“No hugging, no handshaking/ the new mantra is social distancing,” it advises noting that Corona is “life threatening”.
Acknowledging that these actions fall outside of the normal social behaviour of citizens the tune stresses that “now is the time for some sacrificing/avoid large gatherings.”
For those showing symptoms “a cough or fever” they are advised to “call the doctor.” This is in line with advice coming from both the World Health Organization and the Ministry which has directed persons who suspect that they may have the virus not to visit a health facility, but rather call one of the hotlines advertised and arrange for a health team to visit them at home.
The numbers are 226-7480; 229-7490; 231-1166; 227-4986; 624-6674; 624-2819; 624-9355.
For those not displaying symptoms the jingle reminds them to “practice good hygiene/keep everything cleans/watch those droplets in the air/don’t stand too near.”
These lines reference the primary method of transmission for COVID-19.
WHO has noted that the virus is thought to spread mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Persons who are in close contact within about six feet can have droplets carrying the infection land in the mouths or noses or possibly inhale them into the lungs.
“We all in this thing together, watch out for you neighbour,” the jingle reminds.
