There is no doubt that COVID-19 has changed our daily routines that we all at some point, took for granted. The spread of the disease is fast-paced, and it’s been confirmed by the WHO that it can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth when an infected person coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person which makes it easy for others to catch the disease when they touch those surfaces and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in the droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. Therefore, it is important to practice social distancing in general at these times but especially from any person who is sick.
We can be safe if we follow the below WHO measures and help in reducing the chances of being infected or the spreading of COVID-19:
- Maintain at least a 1-meter distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Since the disease can spread through droplets, if someone coughs or sneezes, they will spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
- Stay home if you feel unwell. In general, this is great advice but if you have the symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough and difficulty breathing, social distancing and isolation is the first thing to do. Also, make sure you seek medical attention and call a health center nearest to you in advance, this will protect you and help prevent spreading the virus.
- Stay up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling and commuting especially if you are an older person or suffer from health issues such as diabetes, heart or lung disease.