Full advice on the coronavirus can be found on the NHS website. In terms of everyday contact, it’s important to protect yourself and others – especially those who are elderly, carers of the elderly or those with underlying health conditions – from contracting the virus.
Here’s some must-know advice.
● Practice correct hand hygiene:
When out and about use hand gel and/or wipes. You could also wear disposable gloves or normal gloves.
In terms of washing, as soap and hot water is more effective, be sure to wash your hands once you arrive at your destination/home.
● Ensure cough etiquette:
If you need to need to cough, use a tissue and dispose of it immediately.
If you don’t have a tissue to hand (always keep a packet in your bag!), use your elbow (do use a cleansing wipe later!).
● Avoid touching your face:
When you’re outside the house, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands.
● Maintain social distance:
Put distance between yourself and other people if coronavirus is spreading in your community – the recommendation is to stay six feet away.
Don’t shake hands, hug or kiss on the cheek. Show affection in other ways by an “elbow handshake”, a tap of the feet or by placing your hand on your heart.
● Self-isolate if necessary:
If you are at risk – over 60 years old, have an underlying health condition or are otherwise vulnerable – self-isolate at home. Ensure you have enough food and toiletries at home for two weeks and keep connected online/via telephone with loved ones.
If you’re showing symptoms of coronavirus, stay at home and seek NHS advice. Stay at home for two weeks if you have flu-like symptoms (a cough, difficulty breathing and/or a fever) or if you’ve come into contact with someone diagnosed with the coronavirus.
Check on others around you. With social media and telephones to hand, send a text, make a video call or tweet to see how your friends, family and colleagues are getting on!
2. Look after your community