Staying Safe Indoors During Winter Amid COVID-19
Since December is fast approaching and pandemic is still around the corner, we will most likely celebrate holidays inside the comfort of our homes.
But since you and your loved ones will be with each other's company, the spreading of COVID-19 can be very rampant. It's good if you can practice proper social distancing and wearing of your masks inside your humble homes but is it enough to protect you against the virus when the temperature drops?
According to the Centre For Evidence-Based Medicine or CEBM said that a modeling study suggests that the current spread preference is cool and dry condition. The study also reports that SARS-CoV-2 was linked to similar weather conditions.
CEBM emphasized that if the COVID-19 followed the trends of SARS-CoV-2, the worst-case scenario is another synchronous global pandemic will appear.
Although this winter might give more risk to the spread of COVID-19, apart from observing the Center for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC's guidelines on how to keep yourself safe during winter, Here are some tips on how to keep yourself and your family safe during winter amid COVID-19.
Avoid Crowds and Keep Some Distance
According to the World Health Organization, avoid three Cs which are namely, Crowded places, Close-Contact Setting, and Confined and enclosed spaces. They emphasized that the spreading of the virus is high when these three factors overlap.
Remember that COVID-19 can spread through droplets released in the air. You may want to avoid going to places with people singing, and shouting.
Instead of going personally to events, you may consider celebrating virtually to reduce the risk.
This means this also applies in your homes don't get too close with each other and refrain from hugging and kissing them to prevent you and them from getting sick.
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Wear a Face Mask
A face mask can stop droplets from being released into the air and lowers the chances of an individual getting or spreading the virus. So if you are considering going out to get your supplies, you must wear your masks.
According to WHO, wearing a mask is a comprehensive strategy to prevent the spread of the virus. However, using it alone is not sufficient to provide full protection against COVID-19.
WHO also emphasized that washing your hands before putting on your mask should always be observed. It should also cover your nose, mouth, and chin.
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Avoid Touching Your Mouth, Nose, and Eyes
Your hands can be housing millions of microorganisms such as bacteria. Chances are, Coronavirus can also be lurking at your fingertips so touching these areas may lead you to be a COVID-19 positive patient.
Wash Your Hands
According to the CDC, washing hands can prevent the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections from one person to the next. Scrubbing your hands for 20 seconds while singing or humming the Happy Birthday song twice from beginning to end can also be your duration while washing your hands. They also said that in the absence of soapy water, hand sanitizers may be used.
Disinfect Regularly
Disinfecting your surfaces around the house will help you prevent Coronavirus from visiting your humble abode. Adhering to the US Environmental protection Agency's safe and effective disinfectant use should also be observed.
Recognize the Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms such as headaches, colds, runny nose, or fever, you must contact the nearest hospital and adhere to safety protocols. Do not panic and disinfect your homes efficiently.
Protect your Mental Health
Keeping yourself away from stress is hard these days will be a challenge because of what happens around us. Talking with your friends and immersing yourself in good content and social media will help you relax a little bit. You may seek professional advice in case your mental health is grieving or suffering and practicing positive self-talking will help you get through the winter amid COVID-19.
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Oct 26, 2020 12:00 PM EDT
