Three ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19

It’s simply not possible to pass a whole day without hearing or checking the news about the latest developments with COVID-19. Even if you live in a relatively safe area you need to stay abreast of developments and take sensible precautions to prevent you and your family from contracting the virus.

Whether you’re a high risk or not, you cannot be sure of how the virus will affect you, making it better to avoid contracting it in the first place.

Fortunately, there are 3 simple things you can do to help protect yourself and others from COVID-19

1. Wash Your Hands

Personal hygiene is one of the most important things you can do to keep you and others safe. This means washing your hands with soap for 20-30 seconds after you’ve touched anything that could carry the virus. If you can’t get to a sink then hand sanitizer is the next best and effective option.

Alongside regular washing you should avoid touching your face, the virus enters your body through your eyes, nose, and mouth. Wearing a mask when you’re out, combined with regular washing and not touching your face, will dramatically reduce your chance of being infected.

Another good option is to use gloves when you are out and about, unigloves are an excellent place to find the best disposable gloves for your needs.

Don’t forget to cover your mouth and nose with your elbow if you need to cough or sneeze.

• Social Distancing

The virus spreads as tiny droplets in the air, breathed out by an infected person, and then breathed in by you. However, the virus is diluted by the air, making it ineffective if you’re more than a meter away from someone who’s infected.

This is why so many countries have introduced social distancing rules. It’s important to observe this and stay at least a meter away from other people.

If you’re exercising or passing someone who is exercising then you should note that they will be pushing the air out of their lungs with more force. In this instance, the virus droplets can be carried as far as four meters.  You need to make sure you’re at least four meters away from someone exercising.

• Cleaning Surfaces

It’s not known exactly how long the virus can stay on any surface. But, what is clear is that it can be several hours or perhaps even days on some surfaces.

However, simple disinfectant is effective at killing the virus. You can also use an alcohol solution as long as it’s at least 70% alcohol.

Wipe surfaces that are used regularly with soap and water and then spray the disinfectant spray onto the surface. Places that should be cleaned regularly include door handles, remote controls, light switches, kitchen surfaces, and even your mobile phone.

If you prefer to use disinfectant wipes then never let them touch a surface after they’ve been used, this will simply encourage the spread of the virus.

It can seem like a lot to take in but in reality, it’s just being more strict about your normal hygiene actions. By being aware of how you behave daily you can easily make the necessary adjustments and protect yourself and others from COVID-19.