Nowadays, the news has been giving non-stop updates about the numbers of infected individuals, current deaths and recovery not only in our country, but throughout the world.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General declared that COVID-19 as the first pandemic caused by a coronavirus, last March 11, 2020.
COVID-19 is an infectious disease, that affects the respiratory system. It can infect others with just a droplet of discharge liquid that may come out while coughing or sneezing.
The virus is not air-borne, but it can live enough to be passed on when it drops on a surface. Which is why everyone must avoid direct contact to an infected individual. This includes touching something where they happened to touched or staying near them.
The infected individual can have mild to moderate respiratory illness. While the elderly and others with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness which can lead to death.
So how can you contribute during the fight for the pandemic happening now? Contribute by following government safety measures, stop spreading fake and unverified news, rumors or information and stay at home to stay safe.
How about the front-liners? And workers who needed to work amid the war to stop the spread of COVID-19? If there is no option but to go outside, please remember to do these safety reminders.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, frequently
Wash your hands, especially the in-betweens of your fingers. Remember to wash your hands long enough for 20 seconds or sing “Happy Birthday” twice.
When soap or water is not available
Wash your hands with 70% Isoproyl alcohol or an alcohol-based sanitizer. Most applicable after touching surfaces when your outside your home, even after touching the doorknobs.
Practice proper cough and sneezing hygiene and etiquette
Cover your mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing with a cloth or tissue. If not available use your elbow. Also, it is better to wear a surgical mask if you have cough or colds.
Here is a link on how to use mask properly.
Avoid touching your face
Touching your face can be one of the the most dangerous to do right now, when you’re outside of your house. The virus can quickly access inside your body through your eyes, nose and mouth.
Avoid crowded places and practice “Social Distancing”
Going to crowded places have the highest percentage of getting the virus. Distancing yourself from others / social distancing help prevent the spread of any kind of infectious diseases.
According to the Department of Health (DoH) it should be more than 20 people to consider it a crowd.
Refrain any direct contact
Holding hands, hugging, kissing, talking near to each other are some of the gestures or movements that considered as direct contact.
Bring and use your own utensils
It is a good way to prevent contamination on your own way. Plus it helps to keep your mind at peace. But remember to wash or dispose of them properly.
All of these is not only applicable when you go outside of your home, but also a good practice to start from home. Stay safe and stay healthy.
Sources: who.int, cdc.gov, philstar.com, sfcdcp.org
Photo Sources: 123rf, WashYourLyrics, Amazon, Google, NewYorkTimes, FreePik
