Take the
WE'LL WEAR MASKS PLEDGE!
We are excited to announce a new challenge designed to reduce our exposure to COVID-19. Take the “We’ll Wear Masks Pledge” to help keep you, your loved ones, and friends safer during this pandemic.
We are excited to announce a new challenge designed to reduce our exposure to COVID-19. Take the “We’ll Wear Masks Pledge” to help keep you, your loved ones, and friends safer during this pandemic.
What is COVID-19?
Coronaviruses are a type of virus. There are many different kinds, and some cause disease. A newly identified type has caused a recent outbreak of respiratory illness now called COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease, discovered in 2019) that started in China.
As of now, there is not a specific treatment for the virus. People who become sick from COVID-19 should be treated with supportive measures: those that relieve symptoms. For severe cases, there may be additional options for treatment, including research drugs and therapeutics.
What is the We'll Wear Masks Pledge?
Masks guard against COVID-19 transmission and save lives.
Some people might still be confused about the necessity of wearing a mask to guard against COVID-19, but there is now a consensus that masks play an essential role in saving lives.
Studies show that wearing masks significantly reduces the risk of transmitting the coronavirus to others and greatly reduces its spread. Why? People can still pass COVID-19 to others and not know it – even if they are asymptomatic or manifest only a mild form of the disease.
Symptoms & Preventative Measures
What are the symptoms?
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:
•Fever
•Cough
•Shortness of breath
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include:
•Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
•Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
•New confusion or inability to arouse
•Bluish lips or face
How can I stay safe?
Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:
•Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
•Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
•Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick
How is World Merit affected?
World Merit has temporarily suspended our on-the-ground activities and events. This measure was taken in order to protect our members and prevent further spread. This policy will be revised on a frequent basis and more information will be distributed if this changes.
We’re also encouraging our Council Presidents to engage their members online and try to continue the momentum they’ve worked hard to produce pre-COVID. Hosting online workshops, Skype calls and writing discussion posts are great examples of how work toward the SDGs can continue.
We’re always open to hear the thoughts and opinions of our members and councils. If you have any ideas of other ways World Merit can help it’s members during this pandemic then please use the Google Form linked below to express them.
