COVID-19 is changing our lives as it makes its way across the globe. The U.S. has thousands of cases across the nation and it continues to grow, but there are five things we can continue to do to assist in the efforts to “flatten the curve.”
- Make sure your hands stay clean. Wash your hands with soap for 20+ seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Most people don’t wash their hands long enough. Make sure to thoroughly wash your hands, covering every area of your hand from the fingernails to the backs and sides. Change hand towels frequently and step up your cleaning/sanitizing at home, targeting commonly used areas such as door knobs, counter tops and other surfaces.
- Cover coughs and sneezes correctly. When you need to cough or sneeze, use a tissue or your elbow to block the particles from going into the air. If you use a tissue, go back to the first tip and wash your hands.
- Don’t touch your face. The virus can enter through your eyes, nose or mouth, so make sure you’re avoiding touching your face unless you’ve thoroughly washed your hands right before. However, keep in mind, you’ll need to wash your hands again after touching your face.
- Keep a safe distance. When around others, we need to be practicing a safe distance. Think about this if you have to go to work or the grocery store. It’s best to keep, at the very least, three feet away from others; preferably six feet. Keeping a healthy space between you and others can prevent exposure to aerosol particles floating through the air.
- Stay home. If you suspect you have the virus, make sure to stay home as not to risk others getting it. Talk to your physician. The CDC offers a “Coronavirus Self-Checker” that can guide you on what the next steps are and if you should be tested. Also, keep in mind, even if you’re not sick, staying home is still one of the best ways to slow the spread of the virus.