Americans and the world are going back to work and some play as the coved -19 pandemic continues at different levels in different places. for those of you taking this step back into society and the new normal, here are 5 ways to protect yourself from contracting the virus.
1. maintain a high level of personal hygiene. wash your hands frequently for least 20 seconds
Avoid or minimize contact with surfaces especially metal surfaces where the corona virus can survive for up to 3 days particularly in public places.
practice not touching your face and avoid picking your nose.
If you must pick, wash your hands before and after. Have a hand sanitizer available at your work desk, in your car and carry one in your bag for regular use.
2. Wear a face mask or covering. This not only protects you but protects others from droplets which are the primary mode of spread of the virus.
Also avoid being in close proximity to people not wearing masks especially if they are talking, singing or shouting.
Wearing of mask by both people is what gives the maximum level of protection to droplet spread. Remember also to be 6 feet away from other people. If youre close enough to smell their breath then youre too close.
3. Avoid crowds in closed spaces. Droplets can be spread further when people are coughing , laughing, shouting or singing. Some of these are aerosolized meaning they can remain floating in the air for up to 3-8 hours especially in closed spaces.
Restaurants and houses of worship are examples of places where this deadly combination of factors can occur.
Remember patient 31 in South Korea responsible for spread to 5,000 people by attending religious services and Bishop Gerald Glenn, a Pastor in Virginia who bragged on keeping his church open for a packed service and was dead from virus within a week.
4. Build up your immunity: Eat more fruits and vegetables and whole grains at this time. these contain numerous antioxidants and anti inflammatory bioactives.
Foods rich in vitamin C such as pineapple, kiwi, guava, grapefruit and cauliflower help build up the immune system.
Also reduce your consumption of animal based foods including milk, eggs, cheese, shrimp, chicken and meat. These have been shown to have pro-inflammatory effects in humans.
5. Plan your workspace from both a physical and a workflow perspective to minimize virus spread. make sure you sit or stand six feet away from coworkers and that there is adequate ventilation. open windows if possible.
Make sure there are physical barriers when talking to people e.g plexiglass, masks, face shields. Minimize physical contact and use PPE, hand sanitizers, gloves and hand washing liberally.
Finally, Stay on your guard and remember that even though the corona virus is subsiding, it has not gone away and we could even see a spike in cases depending on our collective behavior.
Covid-19 is still a disease without a cure but we can protect ourselves give our ourselves the best fighting chance against the disease.
Stay well and Stay safe