3 Important Advices to Help You Avoid COVID-19 Infection

COVID-19 is spreading in our communities fast, stay safe by taking some simple precautions. Check local advice where you live and work. Stay safe!

COVID-19 transmission

COVID-19 human-to-human transmission occurs mainly via droplets. These droplets are generated by breathing, sneezing, coughing etc. Other way of transmission is through contact, for example hand- mediated transfer of the virus from contaminated surface to the mouth, nose or eyes. SARS-CoV-2  transmission is very efficient and that is why organizations like CDC and WHO made a list of safety guidelines that would help protecting us from catching COVID-19. 

1. Wear a mask

First COVID-19 advice is to wear a mask. According to CDC guidelines everyone older than 2 years old should wear mask in public. We should remember that mask will only protect us, when worn properly. You should wear it around your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin. Mask should fit your face so choose the right size, since the start of pandemic there are many distributors of face masks so finding the right size should not be a problem. If you are skilled then you can make one on your own but always remember to make sure that you can easily breathe through it. You should also remember to clean your hands before you put your mask on, as well as after you take it off, and after you touch it at any time. In most countries masks are required on public transport and in some of them you have to wear them whenever you leave your house. 

2. Keep your distance 

Apart from wearing a face mask we should remember about social distancing. One should stay at least 6 feet apart from people who are not a member of your household. Majority of COVID-19 outbreaks have been reported in crowded and poorly ventilated places such as: restaurants, choir practices, fitness classes, nightclubs, offices and places of worship where people have gathered in indoor settings where they talk loudly, shout, breathe heavily or sing. We have to remember that some people that do not have any symptoms are able to spread the virus. Keeping distance is especially important for people who are in high risk of getting sick. We all miss going to the cinema, restaurant or theatre but being in a crowded place does put you at higher risk for COVID-19. For now it is probably better to avoid poorly ventilated spaces and choose some outdoor activities instead. Being surrounded by nature will also have a good impact on your mental health. 

See also: “COVID-19 – Everything You Need to Know About Coronavirus”

3. Soap is your best friend

Probably the most important COVID-19 advice is to wash your hands. We should remember about our hygiene, so wash them hands regularly or if it’s impossible, then use a hand sanitizer. You should wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, especially if you have been spending time in a public space. If you are somewhere and you do not have access to the warm water and soap remember about the hand sanitizer. Try to choose one that contains at least 60% of alcohol. I know it’s hard to fight your instincts but we should avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. It is also advised to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, especially the ones that you touch after coming from the outside and before washing hands (doorknobs, light switches, phones, faucets and sinks). If you do catch a cold remember to cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Immediately get rid of the used tissue and wash your hands. By following good hygiene, you can protect the people around you from factors causing infections like viruses, which cause colds, flu and COVID-19.

If you get sick…

 Also be alert. Monitor your health daily. Look out for fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste or other symptoms of COVID-19. Try to take care of others, especially in workspaces where it is difficult to keep social distance. If you get any sign of being sick, stay home, isolate yourself from others even if your symptoms are minor. If necessary contact a doctor or a designated hotline and ask for help. Ask a friend for the groceries or use an app to get them delivered to your home. Try to wear a mask at home to keep your loved ones safe. Seek information from trusted sources such as WHO or your local and national health authorities.  We hope that three, most important COVID-19 advices will help you stay safe.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization