KATHMANDU, March 6: The novel coronavirus is continuing its spread in many countries around the world. Amid coronavirus outbreak, the World Health Organization has listed ten things that people should be taking to get ready:

1. Clean your hands regularly – wash with soap and water, or clean with alcohol-based hand rub

2. Clean surfaces regularly with disinfectant – for example kitchen benches and work desks;

3. Educate yourself about COVID-19. Make sure your information comes from reliable sources;

4. Avoid traveling if you have a fever or cough, and if you become sick while on a flight, inform the crew immediately. Once you get to your destination, make contact with a health professional and tell them about where you have been;

5. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve. If using a tissue, dispose of the tissue immediately into a closed rubbish bin, and then clean your hands;

6. Take extra precautions to avoid crowded areas if you are over 60 years old, or if you have an underlying condition;

7. If you feel unwell, stay at home and call your doctor or local health professional;

8. If you are sick, stay at home, and eat and sleep separately from your family, use different utensils and cutlery to eat;

9. If you develop shortness of breath, call your doctor and seek care immediately;

10. It’s normal and understandable to feel anxious, especially if you live in a country that has been affected. Find out what you can do in your community. Discuss how to stay safe in your workplace, school or place of worship.