If you are like many people in the United States, Canada, and Europe you are hunkering down at home on the recommendation (or strict orders) of your government.
While this can be a challenging time for families, the fact remains there are some important do’s and don’ts to respect while self isolating to help keep you even more safe.
Do’s
Do be sure to wash your hands minimally for 20 seconds a few different times each day. You should use both soap and water or at least a good hand sanitizer that contains minimally 60 percent alcohol. Be sure to wash your hands after you use the bathroom, before you eat or cook, and after sneezing or coughing and blowing your nose.
Do stay away from other members of the public if you have a health condition or are more than 60 years old. You will naturally possess a greater risk of contracting the disease in these circumstances. The highest risk groups have proven to be those suffering from preexisting health conditions such as chronic respiratory disease, heart disease, and diabetes. Seniors are the other primary highest risk group, particularly those who are over 60 years of age.
Do cancel travel plans to the hot spot areas around the U.S. and Europe. If you live in New York state or one of the other handfuls of highly contagious areas you should not go anywhere that you do not have to. Remember too that the Center for Disease Control has strongly recommended canceling all travel plans to the majority of countries in Europe and Ireland, Great Britain, Iran, and China. It further recommends that everyone avoid going on cruises altogether.
Do stay hunkered down if at all possible. Local authorities suggest that you self-quarantine if someone living in your home contracts the coronavirus. It is important that you stock sufficient non-perishable foods to keep you going for two weeks, health supplies, and prescription medicines as well. Do not forget to stock up on your basic household cleaning supplies too.
Do engage in the buzz word practice of Social Distancing. This means that you should strive to stay between three and six feet distance away from other individuals, in particular if they are persistently sneezing or coughing. You should avoid groups of 10 or more people and any crowd in a poorly ventilated area.
Do make sure to check up on your neighbors who may be alone or at higher risk. People suffering from serious medical conditions and older adults need to be looked after. Keep an awareness of their medical and food supplies and have them let you know if they fall ill. Try to keep six feet away from them for their own protection as well.
If you develop a persistent cough, fever, or have difficulty breathing, then go seek medical attention. This does not mean driving down to your area urgent care clinic. First contact your doctor to learn what the best protocol is so that you do not potentially spread the virus to other individuals around you.
Do wear a mask correctly when in contact with other individuals if you think you have the virus. The mask can cause you to actually contract the virus if you incorrectly follow the recommended guidelines. You can watch the video produced by the World Health Organization to see how to properly utilize a mask for yourself.
Don’ts
Do not wear a mask unless you have the coronavirus or a serious cold. Masks only really protect other individuals from getting the virus, and wearing one if you are healthy does not do much of any good. Health care workers can not get enough masks for their own critical needs because of everyone buying up all the masks, so leave them for the front line caregivers who need them and people who are actually sick. (Note, this has changed as of Apr 3rd, where there is now debate as to whether those without symptoms should wear a mask also.)
Don’t visit the doctor unless it is an urgent need. Reschedule all non-essential dental appointments as well. According to the CDC, health care givers need to be allowed to concentrate on treating only emergency cases right now.
Don’t panic whatever you do. The chances of contracting the coronavirus remain very small. Your level of risk goes up as the incidents in your area increase. Take the proper precautions, manage your stress, especially washing your hands all the time.
Don’t go on a trip if you come down with a fever. Should you get sick while flying, let the cabin crew know straight away. Call your doctor when you return home.
Don’t feel invincible just because you are young and healthy today. It is false to believe that younger individuals can not become seriously ill from the virus or even die from it. The statistics as of March 16th revealed that fully 38 percent of all coronavirus hospitalizations came from those individuals within the age group of from 20 to 54 years old.
In Conclusion
While the percentage of people in the U.S. and Europe who actually have coronavirus is still quite low, but that doesn’t mean that your family should not have a solid Emergency Preparedness Plan.
Beyond that, follow the guidelines set forth by your State or Province, stay away from those who are sick, maintain your proper social distances, and wash your hands constantly.
More Resources:
- https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20200228/preparing-for-coronavirus-dos-and-donts
- https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/awareness-resources.html
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html
- https://www.usa.gov/coronavirus