Doctor's poignant coronavirus post goes viral: "Please stay at home for US"

The outbreak of the coronavirus has swept the global stage with panic as the pandemic continues to stifle the lives of individuals around the world.

But amongst the dark news and complex COVID-19 messaging, one doctor has issued a poignant and simple statement that sums up the devotion of medical staff currently working round the clock to combat the issue and the responsibility we have as civilians to solve the problem.

READ MORE: For live updates on the coronavirus epidemic.

Doctor Rodney Jimenez from The Philippines, which has 202 confirmed cases, held up a sign that read "I stayed at work for YOU! Please stay at home for US!" in a picture that has since swept social media.

The Facebook post, which has garnered over 30 000 shares, reinforces the need for self-isolation, a simple approach to combating the coronavirus outbreak which stipulates people should stay indoors, and away from public spaces to contain the virus.

Users responded positively to the doctor's message, writing "Yes doc we will stay at home and we will pray for your safety and other health workers."

"Thank you for all the sacrifices of frontliners. Stay safe Doc!" wrote another user.

Medical staff have been hit hardest by the pandemic, reporting shortages of protective equipment such as surgical masks and gloves vital to safely performing routine tests of the COVID-19 virus.

Dr Rob Hackett, a Sydney anaesthetist with over 20 years in the medical profession spoke to 9Honey and explained, "medical staff are at repeated risk because of repeated exposure."

"Basically to flatten the curve as much as possible, we need to minimise this wave of patients that are going to come in very quickly."

He cited self-isolation for those who haven't been tested is critical to alieviating the number of growing cases and protect medical professionals in the long term.

In China, where the number of cases remain the highest at 80, 894, nurses have taken extreme measures to combat the lack of medical equipment and prolonged exposed danger to the virus.

Comprised of 90% women, an Instagram post by Sophia Li explained "due to a short of supplies and protective gear, women are cutting their hair and shaving their heads, adult diapers, and taking birth control pills to delay their menstrual cycles."

The gravity of sacrifice medical professionals have made in response to combating the pandemic is unparalleled.

"We do not actually have the right protective equipment for our staff in this country," Dr Hackett said, in regards to Australia's supply levels.

"We're beating the same drum for a reason: self-isolate, self-contain, shut non-essential businesses will protect more people."

How can I protect myself and my family?

The World Health Organisation and NSW Health both recommend basic hygiene practices as the best way to protect yourself from coronavirus.

Good hygiene includes:

• Clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser;

• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or your elbow;

• Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms;

• Apply safe food practices; and

• Stay home if you are sick.

What is social distancing?

Social distancing involved minimising contact with people and maintaining a distance of over one metre between you and others.

When practising social distancing, you should avoid public transport, limit non-essential travel, work from home and skip large gatherings.

It is okay to go outdoors. However, when you do leave home, avoid touching your face and frequently wash your hands.