15 habits you need to adopt if you want to survive the COVID pandemic
As we write this, India has not only
become the fourth worst-hit country by the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of
positive coronavirus cases in the nation has also crossed the massive 4.25 lakh
count. It is important to note that while the government has allowed services
to resume normally with certain restrictions in its Phase 1 of unlocking plan,
the onus of staying safe during the pandemic still lies with us. Given the
highly infectious nature of the contagion, it is understandable that the
society needs to adapt to the unprecedented changes and challenges the pandemic
has brought.
1.Why
we need to function together to survive the pandemic
While the scientists and medical
experts across the globe inch closer to finding a cure for the novel
coronavirus, it is important to learn about preventive measures to safeguard
ourselves against the COVID-19. These precautionary measures need to be
implemented in a sustained manner and we all need to do our bit and fulfill our
responsibilities to stay safe. Remember, these behavioural practices will not
work in isolation and each one of us will need to follow them thoroughly to
make a countrywide impact. Here is a list of habits that we need to implement
if we want to win the fight against this deadly pandemic:
2.
Change the way you greet: No more handshakes and hugs
This one is a
no-brainer. In a bid to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, it is
important to practice social distancing and this includes novel ways of
greeting each other. You can try anything from the good old namaste, the wave,
awkward but cute elbow bumps to even the innovate foot shake (greeting each
other by quick right and left kick on the feet). When you change the tangible
ways of greetings, you drastically cut down your chances of transmitting the
infection.
3.
Social distancing is the new normal
Let’s be honest. Even as the
government has relaxed the lockdown norms, it is not the time to start hanging
out with your friends and catch up for ‘lost time.’ It is important to keep a
minimum distance of at least 6 feet (2 Gaj) from other people at all times,
even when you are sitting in your office/ meeting people you are not
quarantined with. Remember, even if your immune system is strong enough to
battle the virus, you may pass it onto a more vulnerable person.
4.
Wear face-cover or face mask while stepping out
This is
non-negotiable. We need to understand that the contagion is spread by the
infectious droplets which are ejected from the mouth and nose of the person as
he/she coughs, speaks, sneezes, laughs etc. Wearing a reusable cloth cover or
mask not only prevents the infected person from spreading the infection, but it
also provides a certain degree of protection to the wearer.
5.
Keep your hands off your face at all times
We have a tendency to touch our eyes,
nose and mouth without putting much thought. This is why it is important to
consciously avoid the same as our hands pick up a lot of germs and pathogens.
When you touch your face, you can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or
mouth resulting in infection.
6.
Be mindful of your coughs and sneezes
As COVID-19 is a respiratory
illness, make sure to cover your mouth properly with a tissue paper or the
inside of your elbows as you sneeze or cough. It is important to sanitize your
hands or wash them thoroughly afterwards and discard the used tissue properly.
7 .Washing and sanitizing your hands is very important
We cannot stress enough on the
importance of washing our hands frequently and thoroughly in order to get rid
of any bacteria or viruses that we may have picked inadvertently. In the
absence of soap and water, one should use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
8. No more spitting
in public
If you are one of the chosen few,
who love painting the public walls red with gutka and paan, let us warn you.
Spitting in public increases the risk of COVID-19 infection and it puts you and
everyone else in grave danger. Also, spitting in public is a punishable offence
now.
9.
Cleaning and disinfection should be your new mantra
From wipes to
heavy-duty chemical disinfectants, you can use a variety of cleaners and
disinfectants to maintain good hygiene in and around your home. Ensure that you
wear gloves during cleaning and sanitizing process.
10. It
is not the time to take a summer vacation: Avoid unnecessary traveling
Even as the government has opened
the lockdown with some reasonable restrictions, one needs to understand that we
are still very much battling the pandemic. So, try to stay indoors to keep
yourself and your family safe and step outside only when it is absolutely
necessary.
11. Fight
the disease, not the patient
As a society, one of the ways we
will be able to defeat this disease is by being empathetic to those battling
coronavirus infection and offering whatever help we can to them and their
families in these testing times. COVID-19 patients and their families are
facing enormous discrimination currently, making their battle even more
difficult. Let’s start by becoming more compassionate towards the patients, all
the while being mindful of social distancing. From cooking them a meal,
offering to run their errands to even monetary help, we can all do our bit.
12. No
crowded places or social gatherings
Remember, unnecessary travelling to
crowded places leads to an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission. Instead,
try connecting virtually with your loved ones and keep them safe.
13. Be
mindful of what you are posting on social media
We are living in scary circumstances,
where unverified and false claims related to the disease can spread further panic. Do not circulate
unverified messages through any means of communication.
14. Seek
information about coronavirus from reliable sources
The most
credible source for COVID-19 information is the Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare’s website.
.
15. Take
care of your mental health
As we continue
to deal with a pandemic which has changed our lives in unprecedented ways,
remember it may trigger feelings of stress, anxiety and even distress. It is
important to seek psychosocial support to tackle the situation head-on. You can
also call on national psychosocial toll-free helpline number 08046110007.
Help
is here: Call national toll-free helpline number or state helpline number
In case you need any assistance
pertaining to coronavirus symptoms or any other queries, make sure to reach out
to national helpline number 1075 (toll-free) or your respective state helpline
number.