Despite the country’s containment efforts, the spread of SARS-CoV-2 or coronavirus has become apparent. The rising cases day by day shows no sign of respite in India, especially in metropolitan cities. While some districts have reported small numbers so far, we can never be sure of another outbreak.

With the virus gaining strength, the question lurking in everybody’s mind is “how to keep myself safe from coronavirus”? So, here are 10 steps to minimizing COVID-19 risks. 

 

 

  • Personal Hygiene

 

No matter how clean your hand looks, millions of microbes and germs can be hiding behind the sheath. Ensure you wash your hand with soap or else you could leave deadly germs, potentially harming yourself and your family. Frequent and thorough washing of hands for at least 20 seconds is essential. Some instances where washing hands is necessary is after stepping out, post handling of items, touching potentially infected surfaces, before eating food, laundry, etc.

 

For those who don’t have access to soap or water while outdoor or traveling, it is essential to use alcohol-based sanitizers frequently.

 

 

  • Wearing a Mask

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that almost everyone wears a cloth face mask in public settings where social distancing may be difficult, such as grocery stores. It can help when you come in contact with asymptomatic individuals who are undiagnosed yet and slow the spread of the disease.

 

N95 masks are effective, but if not able to find, you can use cloth masks. Ensure that it covers your nose and mouth, wash the mask after each use, and wash your hands after and before use.

 

 

  • Avoid Touching Your Face

 

The COVID-19 virus is said to live on hard surfaces for up to 72 hours. If you touch infected surfaces and touch any part of your face, including your mouth, nose, or eyes, it can be dangerous. Therefore avoid touching any part of your face frequently. Gloves can help in this regard when you come in contact with many surfaces during grocery runs. Also, when you have a pair of gloves, the tendency to take your hand to the face reduces.

 

 

  • Covering Your Mouth and Nose While Sneezing

 

The virus can be carried through air droplets when you cough or sneeze. It can also land on hard surfaces and thrive there. So, always use a tissue or sneeze into your elbow. Cover your mouth when you cough. Wash your hands after you sneeze or cough.

 

 

  • Cleaning and Disinfecting Surfaces

 

Use disinfectants to clean hard surfaces like door handles, furniture, toys, countertops. Whatever items you frequently use, even your phones or wallets can be sanitized. If you step out, remember not to bring outside shoes inside the house and take a bath immediately. Wash the clothes and dry them under the sun to eradicate germs thoroughly.

 

 

  • Maintaining Social Distancing

 

Take social distancing seriously and always maintain a distance of approximately 6 feet from others in public places. Stay at home, work remotely, and go out only if it is necessary. 

 

 

  • Washing Groceries

 

Once you are back from your grocery run, wash your hands first, and head straight to the kitchen. Wash all the produce under cold water in the kitchen sink for 20 seconds. Rinsing them with soap or chemicals is not recommended as we cannot be really sure if it is safe to ingest. You can also use turmeric/rock salt/vinegar added water to clean food items, which is relatively more harmless. Wipe down packets or cardboard boxes with alcohol-based wipes since you will not be ingesting it.

 

 

  • Avoiding Outside Food

 

It’s best at this time to opt for warm home-cooked meals. Try to avoid processed food, food deliveries, junk food. We really cannot be sure if it is safe. If opting for food deliveries, immediately transfer the contents from packages and heat it before consumption.

 

 

  • Increasing the intake of foods rich in antioxidants and antiviral properties 

 

Having fresh vegetables, fruits, and juices rich in antioxidants and antiviral properties would help to build your innate immunity. Use herbs and spices such as turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, Tulsi, clove, and ginger.

 

 

  • Physical Exercises, Yoga, and Pranayama 

 

It is important to follow a routine and practice physical exercises, Yoga, and Pranayama. Physical and breathing exercises help not only to build immunity but also to increase your lung reserve, a critical componenet in COVID-19.

If you experience any symptoms, including cough, sore throat, fever, difficulty in breathing, seek medical assistance. Avoid coming in close contact with your family and self-quarantine yourself if you think you may have been exposed to a person with COVID-19.

 

Stay safe

Overall, there is no need to panic. Reduce your risk with the above preventive steps. There is no magic bullet against viruses like this, but basic preventive steps will go a long way to minimize your risk.