How to Stay Safe during COVID-19
COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting people around the world; in such times, it is essential to take care of yourself and others. But most important you must take care of yourself.
The importance of Lockdown
The intention of the lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection from one person to another, to protect ourselves and others. Lockdown means not going out of the house except for buying necessities, limiting the number of trips outside, and only a single, healthy family member making the trips when required. If there is a patient who is sick and may need to get medical help, you must be aware of the health facility nearest to you.
Following are the steps to help keep you and others safe:
Stay home Stay Safe
if you can and avoid any non-essential travel. Avoid social gatherings of more than ten people. Only go out to buy essential groceries and medications. And make sure to wear a mask.
Practice social distancing
By maintaining a minimum of 6 feet — about two arm lengths distance away from others if you must go out. Stay connected with loved ones through video calls, phone calls, texts, and social media. Avoid close association with people who are sick.
Practice social distancing
By maintaining a minimum of 6 feet — about two arm lengths distance away from others if you must go out. Stay connected with loved ones through video calls, phone calls, texts, and social media. Avoid close association with people who are sick.
Wash your hands frequently
Wash your hands often with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, especially after being out in public places, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol in it.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands to avoid the chances of infection
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands to avoid the chances of infection
Disinfect household surfaces
Disinfect household surfaces daily and high-touch surfaces periodically throughout the day. High-touch surfaces like phones, remote controls, counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables need to be cleaned regularly.
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and throw the used tissues in a lined trash can. If tissues are unavailable, cough or sneeze into your elbow and not your hands. Make sure to wash your hands immediately.
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and throw the used tissues in a lined trash can. If tissues are unavailable, cough or sneeze into your elbow and not your hands. Make sure to wash your hands immediately.
Arogya Setu App to stay updated
Aarogya Setu App keeps you updated on the latest and authentic information related to COVID-19.
Persons with mental illness during COVID-19
Persons who had mental illness may face newer challenges during self-isolation or COVID-19 infection:
- People with mental illness would also have the same fears and stress as others, which may worsen their previous mental health condition.
- Social isolation may make them more secluded, moody and irritable
- They may not seek or get easy access to medications and counseling aid. Care is vital for persons with mental illness from their families and other caregivers. There are health helplines that can provide support, in addition to the regular intake of prescribed medications, a healthy daily routine, and being engaged in activities.
Things you must Avoid
- Avoid eating tobacco, drinking alcohol, and taking other drugs. The use of tobacco or alcohol or other drugs to cope up with emotions or boredom can affect your physical health, mental health, and affect your immunity. People who have a substance use problem can contact professionals for help, particularly when they feel low in mood or stressed.
- Do not avoid or judge people with a COVID infection. While it is essential to maintain a physical distance and keep yourself safe to prevent infection, remember that they need care and attention. If you know someone who may have the COVID-19 infection, tell them about precautions to be taken, and how to get medical aid, if required.
- If you get infected with COVID-19, keep in mind that most people get better. So do not panic. Practice self-isolation and take medications that are advised by the doctor.
