Coronavirus: Steps We Can All Take To Stay Safe

With schools, universities and public institutions closed across Ireland, it’s easy to get swept up in the hysteria that comes with any public health scare. Whilst there is no known cure or vaccine for COVID-19 there are steps we can all take as a society to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. 

martin-sanchez-kTMlSiScL7Y-unsplash_covid 19 790.jpg

Adhere to Advice 

There is a lot of advice coming from a lot of different sources at this time, but the best thing to do to stay safe during this time is to adhere to the advice given by our government, health officials and the World Health Organisation. Things like: 

Social Distancing: Social distancing is a set of non pharmaceutical infection control actions intended to stop or slow down the spread of a contagious disease - Wikipedia. It involves keeping a certain distance from other members of society in order to stop and/or slow down the spread of the coronavirus. At the moment in Ireland, social distancing means keeping 2 metres away from others.

Don’t Panic Buy 

News coverage has been ripe with scenes of packed supermarkets across the country. People stockpiling everything from toilet paper to bread. Whilst it’s a good idea to purchase some non perishable foods in case you need to self isolate for two weeks, you don’t need to buy 4 bags of pasta and 7 bottles of soap. Shops have reassured the public that their supply chain is fine, and shelves will be restocked as normal. Not only that, but it’s important to remember that we’re all in this together. In order for you to remain healthy, others must also remain healthy. 

Work From Home If Possible 

Significantly reducing the amount of time you spend in public, interacting with other members of society is best during this time. Whilst it might feel like cabin fever is about to set in, try and push through and work from home if it’s possible to do so. If you can’t work from home, but feel ill - call in sick and phone your local GP (do not visit the clinic). Whilst it might be worrying, provisions have been put into place for employers and workers. 

Keep Your Kids at Home 

Schools have been closed for a reason. Children, whilst mostly unaffected by the virus, can transmit the coronavirus to other members of our society. By keeping your children at home, and away from other children the spread of the coronavirus can be significantly reduced. 

Check In On People

Call or text your neighbours to check in on them and make sure they are coping in this time of panic. The elderly and more vulnerable members of our society might be finding this time particularly daunting. It’s best to call anyone you know who might need help rather than just showing up, regardless of whether you have the virus or not, as symptoms can take a while to show up. This will help to further reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus. 

melissa-jeanty-Ks4RTBgQ_64-unsplash.jpg

Wash Your Hands 

It goes without saying, but washing your hands is a vital part of staying safe during the outbreak of the coronavirus. Even if you are spending a majority of your time in your own house, make the effort to wash your hands every hour with warm soapy water for 20 seconds. If you’re out and about, bring hand sanitizer with you and use after touching any surfaces. Follow this up with hand washing. 

Jinga Life is here to help you become proactive in you and your family’s health. You can sign up now to start tracking and recording your health and wellbeing.