Hacklab Foundation Launches Open Database to Facilitate COVID-19 Combat Project Collaboration

Coronavirus

Accra, Ghana, April 7, 2020//-The Hacklab Foundation has launched an Open Database to facilitate the collaboration between teams, individuals and organizations working of projects aimed at alleviating COVID-19 in Ghana.

This open database will address the challenge of project duplication, access to financing and speed to market. Funding organizations can quickly browse through projects and reach out directly to collaborate. Countries seeking similar innovations to combat COVID-19 can also reference this database for free.

State of COVID-19 Globally

 As of Friday, 6th April 7:24am (GMT), 1,275,856 total cases have been confirmed globally, 262,999 have recovered and 69,514 deaths recorded.

State of COVID-19 in Ghana

As at 7 April 2020, a total of 287 cases of COVID-19 with five (5) deaths have been recorded. The regions that have reported cases are as follows: Greater Accra Region has most cases (258) followed by the Ashanti Region (18), Northern Region (10), Upper West Region (1), Eastern Region (1) and Upper East Region (1).

Most of the cases are reported from routine / enhanced surveillance activities. Cases from travellers under mandatory quarantine are 90.

What are Coronaviruses?

 Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that are common among animals. In rare cases, they are what scientists call zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It is a dangerous diseases with incubation period between 4-6 days. It is fatal especially for those with weakened immune system, the elderly and the very young. It could also result in Pneumonia and bronchitis.

How It Spreads

Coronavirus disease spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze. It also spreads when a person touches a surface or object that has the virus on it, then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.

Signs and Symptoms

The viruses can make people sick. Coronavirus symptoms include;

  • fever
  • a runny nose
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • possibly a headache

 Prevention

There is no vaccine to protect against this family of viruses. Reduce your risk of infection by

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before touching anything including your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • Disinfect the objects and surfaces you touch.
  • If you are sick, stay home and avoid crowds and contact with others.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment. Most of the time, symptoms will go away on their own.

However:

  • Doctors can relieve symptoms by prescribing a pain or fever medication.
  • A room humidifier or a hot shower can help with a sore throat or cough.
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Get rest and sleep as much as possible.
  • If symptoms feel worse than a standard cold, see your doctor

Instructively, the Hacklab Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on preparing the youth for future jobs. It achieves this through bootcamps, hackathons, mentorship and coaching, internships and job placement.

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