The coronavirus is a respiratory illness that has spread across the world. It has been officially declared a pandemic. The threat has become more widespread; hence there has been a need for new precautions to be taken. The stakeholders have implemented various protective measures in curbing the spread of disease. It’s your responsibility too to take steps to protect yourself from COVID-19 and reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus to others. Here are guidelines on how to prevent and control the spread of coronavirus infection;
Personal Hygiene
Hygiene is a critical factor that determines the spread of the virus in question. Therefore observing proper hygiene, including feminine hygiene, can help reduce the risk of infection. Ensure you wash your hands often with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds, after visiting the washroom and before preparing food. Alternatively use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Every time use disposable tissue while coughing or sneezing and adequately dispose of the tissues you have used as soon as possible and immediately wash your hands. Avoid, as much as possible, touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with hands.
Observe Social Distancing
Physical or social distancing is proven to be one of the effective ways to reduce the spread of coronavirus. Together, we can minimize the spread of the virus by making an effort to keep a physical distance between each other. You can achieve this when you reduce close contact with others, through; avoiding crowded places, avoiding shaking hands, limiting contact with people at higher risk like older adults and those in poor health conditions. Keep the recommended social distance of at least 2 meters from others.
Proper Cleanings
Coronaviruses are found to be one of the most natural types of viruses to kill with the appropriate disinfectant product. A list of hard surface disinfectants that are likely to be useful for use against COVID-19 has been established. Even though they do not claim to kill the virus, cleaners can play a role in reducing the transfer of microorganisms. Cleaning high-touch surfaces often, using either regular household cleaner has been recommended by experts. However, the bleach solution should be prepared according to the instructions on the label. These surfaces include kids, toys, toilets, phones, electronics, door handles, bedside tables, television remotes, and many others.
Putting on Face Masks
Even though personal hygiene, including feminine hygiene and public health measures such as frequent hand washing and social distancing, can reduce your chance of being exposed to the coronavirus. Medical masks such as surgical, medical procedure face masks and filter mask respirators should be kept for health care workers and others providing direct care to coronavirus patients. However, putting on a non-medical mask in the community has not been ascertained to protect the person wearing it from the virus.
Wearing a non-medical mask is a recommended measure you can take to limit the spread of the virus to others around you. And this should be done regularly even if you have no symptoms. It is only useful for short periods when physical distancing is not possible in public settings such as when grocery shopping or using public transit. Wearing a non-medical mask covers your mouth and nose hence prevent your respiratory droplets from contaminating others.
Isreal olabanji a dental assistant and public health professionals and has years of experience in assisting the dentist with all sorts of dental issues.
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