COVID 19 PREVENTION

SOURCE: NICD, Image: Reuters

COVID-19 is the new normal normal and we all have a part to play to minimise our COVID-19 exposure.

If you suspect you have contracted COVID-19, but haven’t tested. And if you have tested positive for COVID-19, and unsure what do to next. 

When you’re on the go, remember to:

1. Wear a  mask
2. Keep a safe distance of about 1.5 metres from others
3. Carry a sanitiser / wash your hands frequently with water and soap 
4. Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms
5. Have small gatherings outdoors or in well ventilated areas

Take the following precautions;

• If you are feeling unwell, please stay at home and quarantine. If worrisome symptoms present, please seek medical advice. 
• Avoid taking public transportation if you’re sick.
• And if you’re at higher risk of serious illness, don’t head out into the community just yet. It’s safer to stay home.

How to minimise the risk of COVID-19  infection when you go shopping;

1. Plan your shopping needs so that you can reduce the need to go more regularly
2. practice physical distancing of 1,5 metres between yourself and others (e.g. keep the shopping trolley between you and the next person)
3. Carry hand sanitiser whenever possible (or make good use of it if provided in stores)
4. Wear a mask at all times, keeping hands away from your face.
5. Try not to touch many items. If you touch it, consider buying it.
6. Remember to wash your hands when you get home. 

How to minimise the risk of COVID-19 as you go to a restaurant;

Remember to stay home if you have COVID-19 symptoms or suspect you might have been in contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19:

1. Before eating, wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds
2. Avoid using or sharing items that are reusable, such as menus, condiments, and any other food containers. Instead, use disposable or digital menus, single serving condiments
3. If you need to make use of the bathroom, push the door open by using your body and avoid using the hand-dryer. Rather wipe your hands with a paper towel or toilet paper
4. Maintain distance of 1,5 metres from other people, unless they are people from the same household
5. Use touchless payment options as much as possible, if available.
6. While eating, your mask will be off. Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes
7. Sit outside if you can, open spaces with moving air significantly decrease your risk of contracting the virus via airborne droplets

How to minimise the risk of COVID-19 at social gatherings;

1. Wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you arrive
2. Maintain a social distance of more than 1,5m at all times
3. Gather outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. Before your family arrives, set up the tables and chairs far apart
4. Wear your face mask at all times, except when eating
5. Avoid kissing, hugging and touching each other
6. Limiting the number of individuals to less than 10 people
7. Avoid putting out toys that the kids will have to touch and share. (eg. TV game)
8. Avoid serving buffet-style where people will be required to serve using the same utensils.
9. Have disposable cups and write each person’s name on them to avoid sharing cups or accidently drinking from someone else’s cup
10. If someone in your household is high-risk (over the age of 65, lung disease, asthma, diabetes, heart or kidney disease) avoid hosting a family gathering at your home