The COVID-19 pandemic has had a global effect, changing the trajectory of many people’s lives. One of the biggest ways it has affected communities is how we approach safety and exposure.
To help keep communities safe, both from illness and injury, there are numerous things you can start to do today. In this article, we’ll discuss five tips you can start to utilize immediately to promote safety for yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
1. Stay Home
Staying home is one the best ways to lower your risk of injury and contracting the COVID-19 infection. Opt to stay home when possible and limit trips outside. While you are in charge of your own health and actions, you cannot control others actions, including what they touch.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes current evidence suggests “that SARS-CoV-2may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials.” While it may be tempting to see friends and continue normal, daily activities, staying at home and practicing social distancing is the best option to protect your health.
2. Opt for Delivery
Even picking up groceries or other pre-purchased items can increase your chances of exposure. Arranging for contact-free delivery may help reduce your chances of exposure and maximize safety.
Opting for delivery can also reduce your time on the road, which now presents new dangers. With feelings of uncertainty, anxiety and stress added to many lives across the globe, there may be an increased of distracted driving accidents.
“Distracted driving is technically any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from focusing on the road and operating the vehicle,” notes injury lawyer S. David Rosenthal, “Teens are especially prone to distracted driving because of their inexperience behind the wheel.” Daydreaming and cell phone use are two of the biggest contributors to distracted driving. If you can, avoid driving by choosing delivery.
3. Practice Good Hygiene
We’ve all heard the recommendation to wash our hands for the duration of the happy birthday song, and there’s a reason why. Practicing good hygiene is a proven method to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
If you are outside of the house or have come into contact with potentially infected objects, avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth. Wash your hands with hot, soapy water for at least 20 seconds when possible. If you are unable to use water, opt for an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
4. Be Calculated While Traveling
If you plan on traveling during the pandemic, exercise extreme caution. Always bring your own safety materials, such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing wipes, if you travel outside your home. In the event of a car accident or traveling in close quarters, you’ll be prepared to protect yourself from exposure as much as possible.
If you are staying anywhere besides your own home, ensure you read up on the company’s sanitization and cleaning policy. Ask questions if you are unsure and bring cleaning materials for items often overlooked, like the television remote. Just in case of infection or injury, inform loved ones back home of where you are staying and the nearest hospital.
5. Conduct Daily Health Checks
Conducting a daily check-in with yourself and your household can ensure you are in good health. Learn the symptoms of COVID-19, what to do after you may have been exposed, and who is most at risk.
If you feel you have one or more of the symptoms, you can take an online assessment to help you decide what kind of medical care you may need.
By utilizing these five tips, you can help reduce your chance of infection and injury during the global COVID-19 pandemic. If you put your safety first, you are also enhancing the safety of the community around you. While we may not know the duration of the pandemic, we do know how we can keep ourselves and others safe.