Updated: 16 February 2022
Please note that this page will be updated as the situation evolves.
Let’s Talk about “Hand Washing”
Clean your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth and even ears. If you must, wash your hands. Avoid hand shaking. Elbow bumping works just as well.
Let’s Talk about “Mask Wearing”
Although Mask Wearing is no longer madatory in Switzerland, wearing a mask not only protects you but others. Even as vaccinations and boosters are underway, it is still recommended that we wear masks in public transport until further notice.
Let’s Talk about “Social Distancing”
For many of us around the world, our governments are now encouraging us to work from home when possible, practice good hygiene and hand washing as well as practice safe social distancing. What does that mean?
What is social distancing?
According to this nifty article from the World Economic Forum, “Social distancing” is a tool public health officials recommend to slow the spread of a disease that is being passed from person to person. Simply put, it means that people stay far enough away from each other so that the coronavirus – or any pathogen – cannot spread from one person to another. Check out these two cool articles to get ideas on what you can and cannot do:
What are the rules of Social Distancing – Vox
Don’t forget to scroll down and consult the sources listed in point 4 below!
The safety and well-being of both our local and global communities are our highest priority. Therefore, we want to provide some basic information but also links to sources for consultation so that you can care for yourselves and your families.
1. What is a coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.
The most frequent symptoms are fever, coughing and respiratory problems. These symptoms can vary in severity. Complications, for example pneumonia, are also possible.
2. How is coronavirus COVID-19 transmitted?
The nouvel coronavirus is transmitted primarily by close and prolonged contact; in other words closer than two meters for more than 15 minutes. The virus spreads by droplet infection: if one person sneezes or coughs, the virus can be transported directly to the mucous membranes in the nose, mouth or eyes of other people.
The virus can also survive outside the body for a few hours in tiny droplets on hands or on surfaces such as handles, doorknobs, lift buttons, etc. It is not yet known whether it is also possible to contract the virus by touching these surfaces or objects and then touching one’s own mouth, nose or eyes.
3. Who are persons thought to be particularly at risk and needing special protection?
Persons over the age of 65 and those with any of the following pre-existing conditions: cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, diseases or treatments that weaken the immune system, high blood pressure.
4. Where can I find the latest updates on coronavirus or COVID-19?
Sources of Information:
- World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
- Swiss authorities + helpline: https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home.html
- Center for Disease Control (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
5. Is Simply Souperlicious Affected by COVID_19?
Yes and no. No, in the sense that most of our activities take place online. However, our local Simply Souperlicious “Soup Talks” are postponed until further notice, pending further updates from local Swiss authorities. Please check the “News” section here on the Simply Souperlicious website for latest updates: https://simplysouperlicious.com/news
Additionally, as most of our “Taste Soups” take place locally during local Meetups in the cantons of Vaud and Geneva in Switzerland, no events will held and no soup will be served until further notice, pending updates from local Swiss authorities. Please check here: https://simplysouperlicious.com/taste-soups
We are closely monitoring the local situation here in Switzerland. We also remain concerned about you, our global fans, as well. We encourage you to consult your local authorities for further instruction. If you’re looking for ideas for staying hydrated, boosting immunity and eating healthy, well, our soup recipes are a great place to start!
Staying Safe
In the meantime, please stay safe; follow official recommendations; eat well, stay hydrated by consuming water, juice, tea and soup; get sleep and move around — even if it’s just around your own home.
Carolyn Davenport-Moncel is a digital media and communication consultant, author, mother, contrarian, book, music and reformed veggie lover and Founder and Souper-in-Chief at Simply Souperlicious. Follow her veggie and food journey on social @simplysouperlicious.
Want to comment?
Sign in or Register