Most countries of the world went into a state of lockdown in March as coronavirus spread and wreak havoc globally. Despite months into the disease, things have not gotten back to normal. It is important that you stay safe and healthy even now.
Yet to stay in the perpetual state of lockdown, despite the threat of the disease, is simply not possible. Economic needs, societal norms, physical and mental wellbeing are also necessary to be catered to as well. Hence, many nations are lifting lockdowns.
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Be on your guard
However, the lifting of the lockdown should not be considered as crisis averted. The threat of coronavirus is still very much present and will continue to persist till an antidote against it is made available.
Moreover, the dangers imposed by the virus are great as well. Coronavirus is one of the most blood clotting virus, and thus has been shown to cause stroke in many patients. It also
affects the central nervous system, leading to complications like intracranial infections, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) etc.
Coronavirus also affects the respiratory system and leads to changes in the lungs that cause complications like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). It has also causes multi organ failure in many people.
Suffice to say, coronavirus should not be taken lightly. It is just as imperative to take precautions after the lockdown has been lifted to stay safe and healthy.
Being safe in midst of the pandemic
The following guidelines and protocols are helpful in preventing you from getting the disease.
Do not go out unnecessarily
Being safe is also a simple matter of mathematical deduction; the lesser you come in contact with people, the lesser probability there is of you getting the virus. Admittedly, everyone is tired of staying cooped up in the houses for the past months but try to limit the exposure.
Boredom can be fixed, but once the virus wreaks havoc on the body, damage can be irreparable. Hence, make the smart decision of not unnecessarily going out in order to stay safe and healthy.
Wear Masks
Masks are a great defense against the virus. By putting this barrier up, you are essentially decreasing your chances of letting the virus enter via your mouth or nose. However, important question is of the choice of masks.
The respirator masks are very efficient, as they filter out almost 90% or more of the pathogens. But these masks allow you to expel the virus into the air. Moreover, they can also cause respiratory distress in extreme circumstances. Hence, experts recommend these masks for the health care workers who are more likely to come in contact with the patients. Ordinary people can make do without them.
Surgical masks are great for controlling the spread of the disease as they effectively filter out the vapors in the air. Fabric mask are also effective for not letting out the respiratory droplets -but try adding a filter layer to minimize the penetration of the pathogens in the air.
Also, the care of the masks is also important. Do not touch the outer surfaces of the mask, be sure to properly clean or disposed them off after use, do not leave them lying about casually, wash your hands before and after putting them on and off.
Remember the 6 feet rule
A very important guideline to stay safe and healthy after moving about in public spaces is to maintain a 6 feet distance from others. People around you sneeze and emit respiratory droplets that might contain the virus, and you can very well breathe in these particles.
However, these particles can only travel so far. According to WHO, 3 feet distance is sufficient whereas others believe in it being at 6 feet. Over caution killed nobody but coronavirus has, so we suggest go with the 6 feet of distance between yourself and others around you.
Your friends can also have the virus
Just as physical distancing is important, maintaining social distance is important to stay safe and healthy as well. Many people feel threat of the disease from strangers but are casual about mingling with their friends. Well, that is neither safe nor logical as many people having the virus are asymptomatic.
If you are desperate to meet, then at least either all wear masks or maintain physical distance.
Have a sanitizer ready
Frequently cleaning your hands is vital, as your hands also might have the virus on them. However, having access to soap and water is not always possible at times. So, be prepared for contingencies and have a sanitizer on you, always. Use it especially after your hands have been in contact with other people and surfaces.
Keep your hands to yourself
The virus can also gain entrance in the body if you touch your face, especially eyes or nose or mouth with your (dirty) hands as they might have the virus on them. So, keep your hands away from your face, at all times.
Refrain from crowds
It is not possible to maintain safe distance in crowded places, hence the probability of getting the virus in congested spheres is great. Avoid such places as best as possible. You might have to inconvenience yourself for this, but the risks of contamination in public places are great otherwise.
Do not put others at risk
If you are experiencing symptoms of the virus and suspect yourself to have the disease, isolate yourself. No matter how important your venturing outdoors might be, it is not worth jeopardizing the lives of others around you.
Follow respiratory hygiene
Respiratory hygiene is important always, but especially during COVID-19. Do not sneeze into the air but cover your face with tissue or sneeze into your arms. Don’t leave the tissues strewn about; dispose them off in a lidded bin and be sure to wash your hands afterwards.
We actively have to take steps to stay safe and healthy as we return to the new normal.
