CORONAVIRUS: Man wears elaborate disc to ensure social distancing

The World Health Organization declared the virus a global pandemic this week. At least 125,000 patients have been infected and 4,000 have died since the outbreak began in December 2019.

Depending on the material, tests have shown the virus can survive on copper for four hours, cardboard for an entire day and up to 72 hours on plastic and steel.

Italy has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, they have the most deaths and cases anywhere in the world outside of China. They have currently endured 827 deaths and have 12,462 cases of confirmed coronavirus, a number that is growing all the time.

In the now viral video, the man visits the Testaccio market donning his unique form of protection and fellow shoppers appear quite amused by the get-up.

When asked why he’s wearing the disc, he quickly responds, “For coronavirus!,” the person taking the video jokingly says, “Wonderful. I can’t cope!”

Italy brought in a nationwide lockdown on travel for its entire population as it now has a higher death rate than China, making it the highest worldwide.

The WHO is advising people maintain at least 1 metre distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. The virus is transmitted through small liquid droplets through the air so social distancing is the best preventative measure we currently have to protect ourselves.

Many businesses are also encouraging employees to stay home if at all possible, especially those who have a cough or fever.

Since February 28, the WHO has confirmed that the virus has now spread into four continents. Scientists have discovered that the virus can survive in the air for up to 3 hours at a time. It can also live on some surfaces for up to three days.