Virus Outbreak: Wash hands, do not rub eyes to avoid COVID-19: doctorEXPOSED TISSUE: The mucous membranes in the eyes could be an entry point for pathogens that can cause diseases, such as COVID-19 and conjunctivitisBy Jennifer Huang and Dennis Xie / Staff reporter, with staff writerWhile masks can protect the mouth and nose against COVID-19 infection, they leave the eyes exposed, a doctor said on Sunday, urging people to frequently wash their hands and avoid rubbing their eyes. The mucous membranes in the eyes could be an entry point for germs or the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital ophthalmology division head Chen Ying-shan (陳瑩山) said. A boy opens his eyes wide in Taipei in an undated photograph. Pathogens in the discharge could easily spread to the eyelashes and other areas of the face as well as glasses, Chen said. Washing hands frequently is key to preventing transferring pathogens from the eyes to other surfaces, or vice versa, he said.

Source: Taipei Times March 10, 2020 15:56 UTC