COVID-19 is a word we are all very familiar with. Our world has changed dramatically since the virus became a household name, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. We all must still do our part to fight against the virus and keep ourselves from getting sick and passing it on.
1. Wash Your Hands
Wash your hands with soap and water every time you use the bathroom, cough, sneeze, or blow your nose. You should also wash your hands after any type of activity, such as before eating or cooking or after touching public areas. Wash vigorously for at least 20 seconds, and take care to get the whole area of your hands and wrists. If you cannot wash your hands, be sure to use the next best thing-hand sanitizer. Check out Step 2 to learn more.
2. Use Hand Sanitizer
The Food and Drug Administration stresses the use of hand sanitizer frequently, especially if you are in a place where you cannot wash your hands. You should also use hand sanitizer if you cannot wash your hands after you sneeze or cough into them or if you touch a dirty surface. The CDC recommends hand sanitizers that contain 60 percent ethyl alcohol or more. Check this list to find out which hand sanitizers are effective and which ones may have been recalled.
3. Wear a Mask or Other Face Covering
Cloth face masks will help keep the wearer from unintentionally spreading COVID-19 to others if they have it. Make sure that you use your mask correctly when you are in public. First, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before you put it on. Pull it up over your nose and mouth and secure the bottom under your chin. The mask should sit snugly on your face while allowing you to breathe easily. If you do not have a mask, a face covering of some sort will also help keep the virus from spreading. Learn how to sew your own here.
4. Stay Home as Much as Possible
It isn’t always easy, but staying home as much as you can will help stop the spread of the virus. Pay attention to travel restrictions in your state and adhere to them as much as possible. If you can, set up no-contact grocery delivery for your home, or arrange for grocery pick-up at your local store. Many stores now allow you to use an app to order groceries from home and pick them up in the parking lot. Limit the time you spend in places that are crowded or that seem unsafe.
5. Clean and Disinfect Your Area
Always clean and disinfect your home or work space frequently. This should include counters, sinks, door knobs, light switches, computers, laptops, phones, faucets, toilets, and other highly-used areas or objects. Use dish detergent to clean before using a household disinfectant. If you are getting gas for your vehicle, make sure to disinfect the gas pumps before you use them. You can also use gloves to touch the pump handle, as long as you throw them away right after. Never throw used gloves or wet wipes on the ground or leave them in shopping carts.
6. Pay Attention to Your Health
Monitor your health, along with the health of others in your home, on a daily basis. The symptoms of COVID-19 include a fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you feel like you have a fever, take your temperature. If you feel any of these symptoms, call your doctor to find out where you can get tested. Maintain at least six-feet between you and others at all times, even if you don’t happen to feel sick at the time.
By following these six tips, we can all help slow the spread of COVID-19 and get back to our normal lifestyle as soon as possible.