We have been reminded over and over again of the simple ways to prevent the further spread of coronavirus. From as simple as regularly washing hands to the implementation of enhanced community quarantine in Luzon, safety measures in place are meant to contain the situation and, hopefully, put an end to it.
Remember, even if you’re not a frontliner, you can still help to stop the spread.
Wash your hands
This cannot be emphasized enough: always, always wash your hands using soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating or preparing food, and after touching visibly dirty and frequently used objects and surfaces (e.g. door knobs, handles, light switches, gadgets, remote controls, etc.).
In an article published on National Geographic, Sarah Gibbens wrote, “No matter what you touch, soap and water is the best way to remove any potential coronavirus from your hands before it can lead to infection. The coronavirus does not penetrate through skin because your outermost layer is slightly acidic, which prevents most pathogens from entering the body.”
“Soap works so effectively because its chemistry pries open the coronavirus’ exterior envelope and cause it to degrade. These soap molecules then trap tiny fragments of the virus, which are washed away in water. Hand sanitizers work similarly by busting apart the proteins contained in a virus.”
Wear a mask if necessary and don’t touch your face
The general rule of thumb when it comes to mask wearing is that, you have to if you’re sick (coronavirus-related or not) or if you’re taking care of someone who is sick.
According to the World Health Organization, mask is effective only “when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.” The WHO also reminded those wearing face masks to ensure their hands are clean before putting it on and after removing it. Do not re-use single-use masks.
Wearing face mask outside could he helpful in avoiding touching your face with your hands.
Clean and disinfect surroundings
Make sure your surrounding space is clean and disinfected. The Centers for Disease Control offers guidelines in cleaning and disinfecting households (Read: ‘How to clean and disinfect your home’ published on March 19 in MS Life).
The CDC, as well as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) both recommend environmental cleaning and the cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched objects and surfaces, using both a regular household cleaning spray and a disinfectant. For the latter, one must contain ethanol as the main antimicrobial agent.
Devices also count as “frequently touched objects” thus it’s important to sanitize them as well. Lightly apply antimicrobial spray or alcohol on a microfiber cloth and wipe down mobile phone, tablet, laptop, and other gadgets. Don’t forget to wash their covers as well.
Stay at home
As much as possible, as long as your work and other responsibilities do not require you to go outside, stay at home. In fact, experts recommend to act like you have coronavirus as many of those infected may be asymptomatic or have mild symptoms—thus are unaware that they have it—but can still transmit the virus.
Those who are working from the comforts of their home can set up virtual meetings, transfer work files online, save important documents through cloud storage for easy access and communication with colleagues.
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Be informed
Stay up-to-date on the right information about COVID-19 via official sources. Share news and other reports from verified government and news agencies such as the Department of Health, National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council, and Philippine Information Agency.