In view of the rapid growth of the new coronavirus that is already found in most of the world, many of us wonder how to shop safely.
As the number of those infected with COVID-19 grows, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend social distancing to help mitigate the spread of the virus . This means staying out of public places, avoiding gatherings, and keeping two meters away from others as much as possible.
We know that we must stay in our homes as long as possible until governments decide otherwise. However, it is impossible to deny that from time to time we must go out to find food and necessary products. Therefore, we have compiled some precautions that we must take for purchases both in stores and online in times of quarantine.
How to leave home during the coronavirus epidemic without taking unnecessary risks
1. Only get out of your house if you need something essential
Before stepping outside, make sure it’s absolutely necessary, says Eudene Harry, a certified emergency medicine doctor and director of the Oasis Center for Rejuvenation and Wellness. For example, should you go to the office or can you work from home? Is it an activity that can be postponed? It’s really necessary?
If leaving your home is not essential and you may put yourself and your family at unnecessary risk, it is best to stay indoors. That said, living in total confinement may not be feasible for everyone, as your work may require you to leave the house. Even if you can work remotely, we still have basic needs to meet like replenishing food, medication, or taking the dog out to relieve himself.
2. Prepare before you go out
When there is no other option but to leave our homes, planning should be our priority, explains Dr. Jason Kindrachuk, a virologist at the University of Manitoba in Canada.
Think about the following: How can you minimize the time to complete these tasks? How can you avoid contact with others? Although you can’t completely avoid interactions with other people, try not to leave the house during peak hours , when there are fewer people.
In case you have to go out, You should always carry a hand sanitizer , disinfectant wipes, and disposable tissues with you (in case you sneeze). Anyway, try to get into the habit of not touching your face. Make it your new mantra. Be aware that many pathogens, including COVID-19, enter the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth. Therefore, it is essential to keep our hands away from our face .
3. Take a deep breath and stay calm
If this pandemic is causing you to panic, you are not alone. This is a time that causes anxiety for many people, and leaving our homes, that is, our protective bubble can be scary and even unsafe.
For this reason, it is important to breathe deeply and stay calm. Take a moment to calm down before you leave the house. Keep in mind that you are able to take care of yourself and avoid contagion since you can wash your hands well, avoid being close to other people and not touching your face. You can take all steps to stay alert and safe.
4. As soon as you return home, disinfect everything
Once back in our beloved home, even if you have kept your distance from others, it is likely that if an infected person touched any of the items that you have touched or brought home, the virus will come with you. Therefore, you must clean and disinfect all the items : groceries, shopping bag, wallet, mobile, shoes, floor, door handle and light switches. In short, everything you have brought with you and everything you have touched or stepped on when you return.
Upon returning home, immediately go to the sink and wash your hands well for 20 seconds with water. University of Arizona microbiologist Charles Gerba recommends using a paper towel to dry your hands . If you use a cloth towel, you should not share it with other members of the family. When you wash it, do it with hot water and dry it at high temperatures.
The disinfectant you use should contain at least 60% alcohol. If you don’t have alcohol, you can use disinfectant wipes or bleach.
5. Stay informed
Finally, as the coronavirus situation continues to evolve, so do safety guidelines and recommendations. For this reason, Kindrachuk recommends that we stay informed by always consulting reputable sources such as information provided by governments, the World Health Organization (WHO) or your local public health department.
conclusion
We must not allow panic to cloud our vision and paralyzes us. What we are going through at a global level affects us all and that is why we must be responsible and careful.
This will pass, but it is up to us to flatten the curve by staying in our homes, protecting ourselves, and thereby helping the doctors, nurses and health personnel who put on superhero capes every day to save our lives.
References
- Osnato, J. The Step-by-Step Guide to Leaving and Returning Home During Social Distancing. For Livestrong [Revised March 2020]
