COVID-19 has definitely shifted the way the world operates. No one has been more impacted quite like the healthcare industry. While most people have been asked to shelter in place or maintain a huge level of social distancing, the healthcare workers have been the ones on the front lines. They’ve been exposed to the virus as they work to fight it. Not only does this take a toll on the healthcare workers. It also takes a toll on their families. In an effort to protect their families, here are five of the methods many healthcare workers have adopted during COVID-19.
1. Staying Away From Home
For many professionals, it’s been better to stay away from home. The thought of contracting the virus and bringing it home to family members isn’t far-fetched. The CDC is still uncovering research regarding how long the virus lasts on different surfaces, and what it looks like to be asymptomatic. Because the risk is too great, many healthcare workers have opted to stay in hotels, vacation rentals, and other locations until their weekly shifts are complete.
2. Undressing at the Door
For many healthcare workers, it makes more sense to completely strip down as soon as they get home to jump in the shower. In fact, it’s wise for everyone to monitor the times they’re leaving the house. Then, once they get back home, it’s great to deep-clean with a good shower. Many healthcare workers have another family member who will take the used uniform, place it in the washer, and immediately clean it to remove any potential germs. Fresh, clean uniforms were always vital for healthcare workers. However, they’re definitely required more than ever before.
3. Sending Kids to Another Home
There are some healthcare workers who have close family members and friends who can watch their children while they work. After all, COVID-19 shut down schools across the country. Children are home with the need for attention as they work through distance-learning curriculums. For many healthcare workers, it’s been a lot easier to send the children to a family member’s home for two reasons. First, they won’t expose their children to the dangers of the virus. Secondly, their children will get the support they need in order to work through their classes and the emotional toll of this global pandemic.
4. Sanitizing All Surfaces
While cleaning the home is a part of regular chores for any family, the approach to cleaning has definitely shifted as a result of the coronavirus. With bleach, hand sanitizer and toilet paper becoming major commodities, most people have become intent on removing all germs from any surface at all times. This includes wiping down surfaces multiple times throughout the day.
Allowing fresh air to circulate has been helpful for many. Simple practices such as removing shoes and clothes upon entering the home are known mandatory because of the ability to carry germs throughout the home. More people have become hypersensitive to germs and how fast they can travel. As a result, the desire to regularly sanitize has increased tremendously for many healthcare workers and their families.
5. No Sharing
Even though no one needs to share various utensils, it’s pretty common for family members to share a lot of their things. If one parent is drinking some juice and a child wants a sip, it’s not uncommon to share a sip. However, sharing during this time has been eliminated for many households. It’s a lot easier to grab an extra fork or cup to enjoy a beverage or a piece of food. Reusing certain items became a no-no after the coronavirus hit as well. While some people might use the same washcloth multiple times, that’s a practice that’s been eliminated in many households. Once something is used, it shouldn’t be reused or shared until it’s been sanitized and thoroughly cleaned because cross-contamination is too great of a threat.
The precautions and directives change consistently. Many scientists are completely at a loss for what to do in order to stop this virus. However, there are healthcare workers on the front lines who are doing all they can do to put a stop to the impact it’s having on people. As the virus continues to remain a threat, it’s important to respect and remember the sacrifices of those who are working diligently to protect more people from contracting this dangerous virus.
