Avoiding getting sick can be one of the most powerful ways you can help your community during these times. You’re protecting the vulnerable people, and lighten the burden on healthcare institutions.
Stay at home
This seems to be the most common advise, and so I want to start here. One of the most powerful things you can do to help your community is to avoid getting sick. By doing so, you protect vulnerable people by reducing the spread of the disease and reduce the burden on healthcare institutions.
Some countries and cities have implemented lockdowns, but even in our daily interactions with others, we can contribute to this effort by staying at home as much as possible.
I recently found myself in a hospital during the beginning of the pandemic. It was NOT because of Covid, but even I saw firsthand how hospitals have had to completely change in a short period of time. The difference I experienced, the overly cautious staff, the long waiting, people going out of their way to stand a big distance away.
And I was asked to do thing myself, which I didn’t mind, but it was such a strange experience to see one medical professional always alone, never in teams of two, as I had been so accustom to.
Most common tips
There are several ways that people can personally stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some of the most common tips:
Wash your hands regularly: Use soap and water and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
Wear a mask: Wear a mask in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and public transportation.
Practice social distancing: Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you. Avoid crowded places and limit contact with others.
Stay home if you are feeling unwell: If you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms of COVID-19, stay home and contact your healthcare provider.
Avoid touching your face: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, as these are the entry points for the virus.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces: Use disinfectants on objects and surfaces that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.
Avoid non-essential travel: Avoid travel unless it is essential. If you must travel, take precautions such as wearing a mask and washing your hands frequently.
By following these tips, people can do their part to stay safe and help slow the spread of COVID-19. It’s important to remember that even if you feel healthy, you can still spread the virus to others, so taking these precautions is not just about protecting yourself, but also about protecting those around you.
The right approach
There is a lot of speculation about the right approach to take, but it’s important to remember that we’re all trying to do what makes sense for us and those around us. It’s good to be curious, listen to others’ ideas, and be respectful of differences.
Different countries have taken different approaches, and instead of criticizing those differences, we can be hopeful that the diversity in data will allow us to learn more from this situation than if everyone had the same approach.
Projects
If you want to do something for your community, you can use free covid awareness icons for any awareness projects you want to create.
Remember to stay curious, listen to medical experts, and stay positive.
Advise given to me
- Understand the risk.
- Wash your hands.
- Avoid physical contact and keep two meter distance.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Cough into your elbow.
Resources
COVID‑19 Information and Resources. Source: World Health Organization
300 free vector icons related to hygiene and awareness about the virus.
European Commission Coronavirus Response
The European Commission is coordinating a common European response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Updates
Anything missing? I’m working on adding more. If you have any suggestions for things that have really helped you, I would really like to hear about it. Stay safe, and take care <3
Originally posted: April 17, 2020.
