This is a guest post from freelance writer Adrianna Riggs on the “pandemic”. She gives a general overview of the official guidelines and what you should do. Enjoy.
With 1.42 million confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the US as of today, it is safe to say that the virus has thrown humanity into a deadly abyss. While preventive measures such as social distancing and sanitization are being practiced worldwide, there are concerns regarding the world’s ability to confront new changes after we emerge from the lockdown. There is no doubt about the fact that the virus has transformed the world and forced authorities to think differently.
However, for now, we have to stand in solidarity and protect the nation from the spread of the virus. In doing so, not only will you protect yourself from the impact of the virus but also those who are treading uncharted waters so that we can stay safe inside our home. So, let us stay safe and calm by following some simple tips to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
Stay At Home
Let’s face it, staying at home is a big challenge, but desperate times call for desperate measures. This means staying at home is one of the safest options we have right now. In fact, consider yourself fortunate enough to be able to stay within the confines of your home. Being stuck inside the home is a blessing in disguise and this way we can ensure the safety of the frontline warriors and also our loved ones.
Although staying inside the home constantly can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. You will feel unproductive and bored most of the time. However, it is completely okay to feel the way you do because these are rough times, and acknowledging the change is far more important than anything else at the moment. So, make sure you accept the change and then do things that help you stay occupied. For instance, you can finish the book you did not have time to read, or else you can simply start cleaning and organizing your house. Don’t forget to clean the frequently touched surfaces with alcohol-based cleaners. As for the other activities, you can take up new hobbies, go online and learn new things. Also, exercise regularly to keep your mind and body healthy.
Wear A Mask In Public
Most reports suggest that healthy people should not wear a mask. Also, it has to be noted that the CDC advises people to wear a cloth mask in public. This guideline comes as a result of emerging asymptomatic cases. In simple words, the concern of wearing a cloth mask in public rises because the virus can be contracted from people who show no symptoms. So, there is definitely a conflict of thought here.
However, it is safe to not wear a mask if you are healthy and experts suggest that a cloth mask can come handy when you go out for grocery shopping. Part of the reason is to preserve the masks for the medical community. They desperately need the masks and most of them are falling short of supplies. In addition, health officials advise that wearing a mask in public is a safety measure, but masks such as N-95 should be saved for the front line warriors.
Wash Your Hands Regularly
Wash your hands with soap. A simple one, but the most effective way to curb the spread of the virus. That 20-second rub between the fingers, on the palm, over the thumb, and under the nails is everything you need to do right now. Also, remember to not touch your face, hands, mouth, or eyes with both gloved and bare hands.
You can also use alcohol-based hand sanitizers but washing your hands is more effective than applying a hand sanitizer for 20 seconds. Also, if you are using a hand sanitizer make sure it contains 60 percent alcohol. Besides, clean your electronics with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol. These are surfaces you will constantly touch with your hands. More vitally, avoid shaking hands with people and start waving at them from a distance.
Get In Touch With Your Doctor If You Feel Sick
According to the World Health Organization, the symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, dry cough, body aches, difficulty in breathing, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, loss of taste and smell, and discoloration of toes and fingers. These are some of the symptoms a COVID-19 affected patient might face, but in case of high fever and shortness of breath immediately contact your healthcare provider and get yourself tested. For example, if you reside in California, you can call the staff of a local California medical clinic. They will advise you in the right direction.
There’s a good chance that doctors will advise you to self isolate at home due to a shortage of testing kits. And you should check in with your local health department on how and where to get tested. Also, do not walk to a doctor’s clinic or hospital without checking in with the concerned authorities. This way you are only putting others at the risk of contracting the coronavirus.
Prepare And Stay Informed
No one was fully prepared for this global catastrophe. It took all of us by surprise and forced us to change everything around us. As a matter of fact, most of us were not even prepared to tackle the consequences of the crisis, until everybody started stocking up on toilet paper and other essentials. You see, you don’t have to stock up on toilet paper. The things that you need to prepare for are supplies of groceries and medicines. You can stock up on a 30 day supply of medicines and groceries. Also, remember that these are essential businesses and they will be open for people to buy and meet the day-to-day requirements. So, do not go crazy buying an entire aisle of cereals or other items.
Last but not least, stay informed and reach out to trustworthy sources. There is no doubt about the fact that this pandemic has become a hot spot for misinformation. Social media forwards and fake news are everywhere. You have to stay wary of fake information. For the same visit sources such as CDC, WHO, and your local health department. These sources will allow you to collect relevant information.
