Coping with Coronavirus (COVID-19)
*In an attempt to inform our patrons and readers, a few of our pieces will solely focus on ‘Coping with Coronavirus’. Stay home and stay safe – Bamboo Sheets Shop.
The novel Coronavirus (COVID – 19) pandemic has currently affected close to 200,000 people worldwide and claimed over 7,000 lives in its wake. Countries across the globe are imposing social distancing and have even closed their borders as a measure to further curtail the virus spread and ease the burden on health services. Experts from the World Health Organization and the World over are recommending practices that will help ‘flatten the curve’.
Here are a few steps to help you stay safe through this time
Wash hands frequently
Practice washing your hands with soap or an alcohol-based hand rub thoroughly for a minimum of 20 seconds. Soap and hand sanitizers can kill any virus on your hands.
Avoid touching your face
On average, we tend to touch our faces 20 times every hour. Our hands come in contact with many surfaces every day which could be contaminated with the virus. The virus can then enter your body through your eyes, nose or mouth if you touch them.
Avoid handshakes or hugs
Consider greeting or acknowledging another person with a nod, bow or a wave. Handshakes or hugs can transmit the virus. Human to human contact through a handshake is the easiest way for the virus to spread.
Protect others
If you cough or sneeze, use a tissue or cover your nose and mouth with a flexed elbow. Throw the tissue into a covered bin immediately after use.
Stay indoors
Consider working from home and avoid heading out unless absolutely necessary. Plan your trip to the stores in off-peak hours and utilize technology to keep up with work. Avoid public transport and mass gatherings. Traveling long haul is a strict no as most countries have closed borders and gone under lockdown.
Social distancing
If you do have to step out, maintain a minimum distance of 1 meter or 3 feet from anyone who is coughing or sneezing. If you stray too close, you could breathe in the droplets from their cough/sneeze which could contain the virus.
Seek medical attention
Here are the symptoms of Coronavirus as mentioned in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website.
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
These symptoms may appear 2 – 14 days after exposure. If you are feeling unwell, stay indoors. Contact your local health authority first and plan your visit to the doctor. Going out will put others and you at risk.
Access to the right information
Along with the virus outbreak, misinformation spreads unwanted panic. Ensure you have the correct information to deal with and help prevent the spread of the infection. Inform yourself and share information from trusted sources such as WHO and CDC. Only share or forward information that is verified.
Additional Reading
If you are interested to read in detail, here are some credible links:
