In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are wondering how we will adapt to the so-called “new normal”. And, while social distancing restrictions are still in place to a certain extent, they are lessening more and more every week, so much so that everything is expected to return to “new normal” in mere months. Whatever “new normal” really is, it is safe to say that in our own personal ways, we will all be maintaining the social distancing regulations, whether it be refusing to shake hands, or keeping two meters apart.
It is important to mention that despite the viruses seeming disappearance, it is still there, and still prominent. Cases have been reduced because people have adhered to government mandate and social distancing regulations, but if that were to be ignored and people to return to how things once were, the virus would surely re-emerge and we would find ourselves in a worse position than before. Here is how you can develop sanitizing habits in the “new normal”.
Wash Your Hands Regularly
Surprisingly, before the COVID-19 pandemic, very few people washed their hands. Apparently, it took a global pandemic, and hundreds of thousands of deaths, for people to realize the importance of simple hygiene. By regularly cleaning your hands, you will be safeguarding yourself and preventing transmission of any viruses. The most frequent method of infection is when a virus is carried on somebodies’ hands, then that person wipes their eyes or nose, thereby allowing the virus to infect their respiratory system.
A brilliant method of cleansing your hands, rather than washing with water, is an antibacterial gel. Antibacterial gel is proven to kill 99.9% of germs, viruses, and bacteria, and can be used to disinfect your hands after touching surfaces and door handles.
Maintain Social Distancing
Maintaining social distancing even after it is no longer legally enforced is a fantastic way to ensure you keep yourself germ-free. Viruses are said to be unable to travel a distance of two meters or more, which means that by adhering to this two-meter distance when communicating with people, or queuing up, you will ensure that you do not pick up any viruses they may be carrying, whether influenza or coronavirus. Social distancing is very easy to uphold, and if people decide to come too close to you, just politely ask them to make some room.
Wear Gloves and Masks
Gloves and masks are a very effective way to ensure that you do not become the recipient of any viruses. Gloves will prevent you from touching surfaces, and if you do shake hands, prevent you from transmitting or receiving viruses. We are said to touch our faces subconsciously at least sixteen times an hour. Scientists have suggested that by wearing gloves you will be less likely to touch your face as you will be more in control, and more aware of the dangers that you pose to yourself by doing so. Gloves are very inexpensive and very effective.
Masks, similarly to gloves, work to reduce the risk of virus transmission. Masks prevent you from inhaling viral particles and prevent you from breathing them out. They also prevent you from infecting yourself with a virus by touching your face, as they block your mouth and nose.
Do Not Have Physical Contact with People
One of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure you do not unwittingly pick up a virus is to simply avoid any physical contact with anybody outside of your immediate family, or those you live with, and ensure that they do not either.
Until a vaccine can be developed, it is very dangerous to be free mixing with people, and you should stay as far away from them as possible. Even though the social distancing measures are being reduced, our governments are still advising that we do not have unnecessary contact with people. Avoiding physical contact will protect you and your entire family.
Rather than shaking hands, bump elbows, as was advised by government scientists. Avoid hugs, kisses, or close-contact, and stay away from people who are in at-risk categories. The virus does not discriminate with whom it infects and kills, and for that reason, the utmost caution must be exerted.
Wash Your Clothes Regularly
Regular clothes washing can serve as a method of preventing the spread of the coronavirus. The coronavirus can live on your clothes, so washing them at a high heat at least twice a week will ensure that you have not brought the virus back to where you live.
All it takes is for somebody to sneeze in your direction or cough unknowingly, or for you to simply walk through a cloud of particles, and you will find your clothes riddled with the virus. Washing your clothes is very important and can save lives.normal. It is very important to adhere to government regulations and avoid unnecessary contact. The virus is still out there, and people are still dying.
