Since the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the coronavirus a pandemic, the number of confirmed cases continues to grow worldwide. The United States faces deaths at the hands of this deadly virus far greater than any country at the moment. On the other hand, Pakistan, alhamdulillah, has registered far fewer cases than the United States or Italy.
Turns out the government’s action of a lockdown was actually the right decision.
With so many dead worldwide, the pandemic continues to test humans to their limits. But there is no need to panic; it will only add to the problem.
The fact of the matter is that coronavirus is here, and it’s spreading. There is an immediate need to protect older Pakistanis with underlying health conditions and people without a social safety net are susceptible to infection and its societal disruption – i.e., the daily wagers or people who are out of jobs during the lockdown.
With a clear head and a few simple tips below, we can reduce the risk, protect our family and do our part to protect the others.
STAY HOME; SAVE LIVES
When healthcare workers are busy with the sick and putting their lives in jeopardy, if we stay at home, we are doing them a favor.
Even if we have no underlying health conditions, and no symptoms, we should be extra cautious to guard other people. Because we might have it and not know it. God forbid, if we have COVID-19 but don’t exhibit symptoms, we can be responsible for asymptomatic spread.
By staying home, we do our part to protect the community at large.
What is “social distancing” or “physical distancing”? It means to stay at a 6-foot distance from others. Not going too close to others saves you and the other person from coronavirus. The need to communicate with people can easily be done through WhatsApp, Messenger, Zoom, and phones in general.
Scientists now believe that this virus could transmit merely by breathing.
Their research explains that the virus particles travel through droplets coming out of the mouth when we speak, breath, cough, or sneeze. Therefore, it is best to wear a mask when out for groceries or other necessities.
AVOID PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION; GO FOR WALKS
Avoid using public transport for essential travel. Either go by yourself or hitch a ride with someone you know is careful.
Crowded restaurants and busy gyms are under lockdown; we won’t be going there, so that’s a relief.
The government’s action to stop all business activities was indeed a smart decision. However, we can still go outside for walks; talk to the neighbors from a distance; and play with our pets.
WASHING HANDS WITH SOAP. THEN, WASH THEM AGAIN.
It’s extra work to wash hands this many a time, but the foam helps neutralize the virus particles. According to Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, the foam cuts the thin layer of fat around it.
Wash for a minimum of 20 seconds (or about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday Song” twice), and dry. Other than the palm, remember to rub the top of hands and in between the fingers.
CNN reports that we should avoid touching our eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands (tough one, we know).
Apple recommends using 70 percent isopropanol to wipe smartphones, doorknobs, and tablets.
To greet others or say goodbye, wave, bow or give an elbow bump, instead of shaking hands.
STAY INFORMED
Knowing what’s accurate can protect us and our family. There are tons of data flying around, and knowing what’s happening will go an extended the way toward protecting our family.
Follow only reliable sources like the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) for obtaining information.
KEEP CALM WITH CHILDREN
Children are, generally, safe from coronavirus across the world. It is the adults who face the challenge. Therefore, parents should stay calm with their children. There is no reason to panic at all!
Be sure to be in communication with your child’s school, including and not only limited to possible online classes during the lockdown.
Communicating with your workplace about child-care concerns that you simply have is usually recommended.
To keep them alive and kicking in activities, playing games together as a group helps. Moreover, a family movie night solves the night part.
STOCKPILING MASKS IS A BAD IDEA
If we’re already infected, face masks can’t heal you.
First, they don’t do much to guard you. Most surgical masks are too loose to stop contacting the virus.
(Masks can only help prevent the spread if you’re infected; the foremost effective are the N95 masks, which block 95 percent of very small particles.)
Second, health care workers and people caring for the sick are on the front lines. Last month, the American surgeon general urged the public not to stockpile masks, warning that it’d limit the number of resources available to doctors, nurses, and emergency professionals – our healthcare heroes.
BUT DO REFILL ON GROCERIES, MEDICINE, AND RESOURCES.
Getting the much-needed supplies is our best bet to protecting our family and loved ones during the lockdown.
Stock up on a month of groceries, household essentials, and medicines, just in case.
That doesn’t mean we’ll get to eat only canned food. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish are readily available, although the markets have to close for the night earlier.
If you are taking prescription medications, or are low on any over-the-counter essentials, attend the pharmacy sooner instead of later.
And, in no particular order, confirm you’re set with soap, toiletries, detergent, toilet tissue, and diapers if you’ve got young children.
For more information, please watch this video.
https://www.facebook.com/IPSUni/videos/209780066781152/
