CoronaVirus News Updates - Covid19: Symptoms & Precautions for International Students

Are you all hanging in there, getting used to this new routine? We hope you are doing well and staying strong and healthy. It’s no secret that it is a strange time for everyone right now. No one was prepared for a global pandemic, and no one knows how to handle this odd and uncertain period.

But we all know one thing for sure,

This is not PERMANENT; this is just a PHASE. So, let us all give little time to our inner ecosystem and bounce back with more passion bringing out our best self.

There would be an area in everyone’s life that needed a reset so that we could fix things. Utilize this time to awaken your souls and lift your spirits. 

COVID everywhere! A new word to the dictionary, but what is COVID?

Coronavirus disease is an infectious condition outspread by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It was identified in 2019 in Wuhan, China. It has then spread globally, resulting in the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic.

Corona News Update about Indonesia

The spread of COVID-19 continues to extend across the globe. Being the world’s third-largest democracy, Indonesia has reported more than 500 cases till March. Hence, on a daily basis, the country is reassessing which steps to take and how to protect its people.

The Indonesian government has asked its people to self-isolate if they have COVID symptoms.

And the good news is, self - isolation is highly effective. This is the time to enjoy all the wide, open, free spaces of your Inner being.  

Official Government Announcement of Indonesia

• Students who are returning back to Indonesia must submit a Health Alert Card upon arrival at Indonesian airports.
• For Indonesian citizens who would be returning from specific countries where the COVID - 19 outbreak was severe, an additional screening shall be carried out by the Airport Health Authority upon arrival.
• If the screening shows any symptoms of COVID-19, a 14-day observation will be applied.
• If no symptoms are found, a 14-day self-quarantine will be recommended.

Travel Restrictions

The Indonesian authorities have introduced numerous measures to control the spread of Coronavirus. They have also suspended the visa exemption scheme. This includes temporary suspension like short-stay visits, visa-on-arrival, and diplomatic visa-free facilities.

People who have visited the UK, Iran, Italy, the Vatican, Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, China, or South Korea are not allowed to enter into or transit through Indonesia temporarily.

Visas

The visa exemption scheme would be suspended for one month for all visitors.

Those who wish to visit Indonesia should obtain a visa from the Indonesian Authorities with the purpose of their visit. You must also provide a health certificate that is issued by the relevant health authorities from your country.

Health screening and self-isolation

Visitors will have to present their health certificate at check-in with regards to their scheduled travel. Failure to submit a health certificate may result in denial of entry in Indonesia. 

Precautions to be taken

The Coronavirus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person while coughing and sneezing. There are high chances of getting infected by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and touching their face, eyes, nose, and mouth. The COVID-19 virus may live on surfaces for hours, but simple disinfectants can kill it. Hence by self-hygiene, we can limit its spread.

• Clean your hands with a hand sanitizer or wash them with soap and water.
• Maintain a minimum of 3 feet distance with people who are coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Practice respiratory hygiene, which means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. 
• Seek medical care if you find any symptoms like fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing.
• Wear masks and gloves while traveling.

It is important to take care of yourself amidst of this COVID situation. If you are having a hard time dealing with all of this, reach out to your family and friends for support! Indulge in activities like,

• Meditation 
• Reading books of your choice 
• Listening to calming music
• Upgrade your skills
• And creating a routine for yourself

This is the time we have got for ourselves. Stay home with that real you, and connect with yourself. Let’s hope we are out of this situation soon.