While research into the COVID-19 virus is ongoing, we know the virus is spread mainly when respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated through coughing, sneezing, talking, singing) get into the mouth, nose or eyes of people who are nearby. We also now know that people can be infected, and spread the virus to others, even without having any symptoms. People may also become infected by touching their mouth, nose or eyes after touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. The virus may survive on surfaces for a few hours up to several days. The good news? Simple disinfectants can kill it. Now what does this mean for your home?
Personal hygiene
Simple hygiene measures can help protect your family’s health and everyone else’s.
Don’t touch your face
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Don’t cough or sneeze into your hands
Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of used tissue immediately.
Keep your distance
Maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people outside your household.
Wear a mask in public places
If COVID-19 is widespread in your area, a fabric mask should be worn in all public settings where it is difficult to keep a physical distance from others.
Monitor for your health daily
Be alert for any symptoms of COVID-19 in yourself and your family. Seek medical care early if symptoms develop, and stay home except to get medical care.
Wash, wash, wash your hands
Yes, you’re hearing it everywhere, because it’s the best line of defence. Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20-30 seconds.
An easy way to time it with your children is by singing the full happy birthday song, twice.
Make sure to wash hands after you blow your nose, sneeze into a tissue, before putting on and after removing your fabric mask, use the restroom, when you leave and return to your home, before preparing or eating food, applying make-up, handling contact lenses etc.
If using a hand sanitizer ensure that it contains at least 60 per cent alcohol, ensure coverage on all parts of the hands and rub hands together for 20-30 seconds until hands feel dry. If hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.
Did you know? Cold water and warm water are equally effective at removing germs and viruses from your hands — as long as you use soap and wash your hands the right way!