Coronavirus (COVID-19): 6 Things You Can do to Protect Yourself and Your Family
Everyone has been affected in some way or another by the global pandemic that has disrupted the world for around the last year. Millions have lost their lives and families have been torn apart by the relentlessness of this awful virus.
For many, it has also resulted in job losses and uncertainty about what lies ahead in terms of the long-term economic impact.
Although vaccines are now starting to be administered in various countries, the virus is still very much a threat to us all. We therefore must continue to play our part in minimizing the spread.
6 Things You Can do to Protect Yourself and Your Family
Wear a Mask
This one is pretty obvious but you might be surprised at how many people don’t wear a mask when visiting public places. If you have an underlying medical condition that prevents you from wearing one then you should try to keep public visits to a minimum for your safety and the safety of others.
If you can wear one then it is a good idea to do so and to encourage your family members to do the same. Granted it’s a bit of an inconvenience but it will help to reduce the spread of the virus.
Wash Your Hands Regularly
Covid-19 is spread when mucus droplets containing the virus get into your body. This is usually through your eyes, nose, or throat which is why washing your hands regularly is crucial. We touch our faces without even being aware so regularly washing will help to reduce the risk of contamination.
If you have young children, show them how to wash and dry their hands thoroughly and explain in layman’s terms why it’s so important. If you are out and about and you can’t wash your hands, use liquid sanitizer instead. It’s a very handy and portable way to keep germs at bay.
Consider Online Grocery Shopping
Although most grocery stores remain open, many have various options available to reduce the need for you to visit the store. Some offer a click and collect service where you can pre-order the things you need and collect them without having to enter the store. Others offer a home delivery service which is very handy, particularly if you have tested positive and are in quarantine or are isolating for any other reason.
You usually need to book, so if it’s something that would help you, be organized and book your delivery slots ahead of time.
Do Some Extra Cleaning
It’s suggested that the virus can live on certain surfaces for a while, so it’s worth doing a little bit of extra cleaning when you can. Door handles are probably the biggest culprit for harvesting germs, so using an antibacterial wipe or spray each day will help to kill anything that may be lurking.
Do the same with other things like TV remote controls and mobile phones that you may not usually clean often. It will protect you and your family and could help to reduce the spread.
Avoid Public Transport
Thousands of people have to use public transport every day, and because social distancing is practically impossible, it increases the risk of catching and spreading the virus.
If there is no alternative, be sure to wear a mask, use hand sanitizer when entering and leaving, and wash your hands thoroughly when you can. Local councils are doing what they can to have public transport cleaned more regularly, but using it continues to pose a huge threat.
Keep Visits to a Minimum
Understandably, you may miss your family and friends, but unless seeing them is unavoidable, you should wait until this is all over. This is particularly important if any of them are vulnerable or the virus could impose major health risks.
If you are struggling with the lack of contact, why not arrange to video chat once or twice a week? Platforms such as Zoom or Skype are a fabulous way to keep in touch and will feel far more personal than a mere text or phone call. You can have more than 2 users online at any time too, so if you want to get the whole family involved, you can.
Many people have been having virtual parties and hosting quizzes, which are not only great fun but are a fabulous way to lift everyone’s spirits and make life feel a little bit more normal again.
