The world has changed a considerable amount in the past month or so. The Coronavirus pandemic has affected every aspect of our everyday lives, from shutting down the majority of businesses to the new practice of social distancing. During times like this, it’s important that everyone practices proper health precautions, not only to protect themselves but to protect those around them. COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus that can spread in several ways, and if you don’t take care of yourself then there’s a chance you can get it or you can spread it to loved ones. Here are a few tips to help you stay healthy during the pandemic.
Wash Your Hands
While this is something we should be doing regardless of a pandemic, it’s even more important than ever right now that people wash their hands frequently and properly. Make sure you’re using soap and water and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and make sure you do so whenever you’ve been to a public place or you’ve coughed, sneezed or blown your nose. It’s also important you try to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth if you haven’t washed your hands. If you run out of hand soap and can’t find more, hand sanitizer will suffice as long as it contains at least 60% alcohol.
Social Distance
One of the most important things to do during the pandemic that is likely one of the most difficult is to social distance. Each and every one of us has a role to play in stopping the spread of this virus, and one of the best ways to do this is by avoiding contact with others, especially those who are sick. It’s possible that someone can be carrying the virus even if they don’t show any symptoms, so staying home and away from others is a great way to avoid spreading it, especially for those who are at a higher risk of falling ill. If you do have to leave the house for whatever reason, it’s highly recommended that you wear a cloth mask that covers your face and nose. These masks can protect others from harm in case you’re infected, but it’s still important to keep yourself at least 6 feet away from others, as masks are not a fail-safe. Avoid using masks meant for healthcare workers as these are in limited supplies and are needed by anyone working on the frontlines.
Disinfect Daily
You’ll want to make sure you clean and disinfect surfaces you touch frequently around your home every day, especially if you’re leaving your house often for whatever reason. Make sure that doorknobs, light switches, phones, sinks and any other surface that is frequently used around the house are properly cleaned and disinfected each and every day using detergent or soap and water, depending on what surface you’re working with. Afterwards, it’s wise to disinfect these surfaces using a household disinfectant.