The coronavirus disease primarily spreads after coming into contact with an infected person. This contact can happen when a COVID-19 patient coughs, sneezes or you come into contact with a surface that they have touched, or you shake hands with them. Any form of direct or indirect contact with a person carrying the coronavirus can lead to the spread of this disease. The first case of coronavirus got reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019, and it has become a pandemic. Almost every country in the world is impacted, and the research on vaccines and medications is vigorously getting pursued.
As world authorities continue to make the world free from coronavirus, you can play your part too in preventing its spread. Some of the ways you can protect yourself and your family include
Wash your Hands: There is continuous focus by the World Health Organisation (WHO), medical practitioners and authorities to repeatedly wash your hands. It will help if you wash your hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds. You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser or use soap and water to keep your hands clean. By washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, you can effectively kill viruses that are there on your hands.
Avoid Touching your Face: It is a human tendency to touch your eyes, ears, nose and mouth several times during the day. Our hands being a carrier of several viruses and bacteria, transfer these infections from our hands to our body with this one touch. So, make it a deliberate practice not to touch your face.
Stay Home, Practise Social Distancing: It is essential to stay at home and avoid any unnecessary trips to the market too. Even though the country is in a lockdown state, you may be venturing out to shop groceries, vegetables and other essentials. You can make an exhaustive list for the whole week or at least for 3-4 days and avoid stepping out.
Mask-Up & Carry Sanitiser: Before stepping out, you should wear a mask and remember to carry a hand sanitiser. During the time you are outside, keep wearing the cover and use the hand sanitiser every few minutes to disinfect your hands. As soon as you return home, change your clothes, clean-up and store the groceries carefully. You can wash fruits and vegetables and disinfect the grocery packets. Besides, you can also maintain one tote bag in which you shop and keep the groceries. Wash this bag and have it ready for the next shopping.
Maintain Social Distancing: When outdoors, it is essential to maintain social distancing. There should be at least a 1-metre distance between two people. It will avert the risk of infection. When someone coughs or sneezes, they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth that contains the virus. If you are not maintaining social distancing, you can end up inhaling the droplets.
Respiratory Hygiene: At home or outdoors, maintain proper respiratory hygiene. So, cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow each time you cough or sneeze. You can also keep tissue paper handy and dispose of properly after using it.
