Updated on 20th March 2020. These materials are regularly updated based on new scientific findings as the epidemic evolves.
Preventive measures need to be practiced by every individual
1. Hand washing
- Wash often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use alcohol based hand sanitizer with ≥60% alcohol by volume.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
2. Respiratory hygiene
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (which should then be disposed of immediately) or use the inside of your elbow (with a sleeve).
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
- Surgical mask use by those who may be infected.
3. Self isolation and Self quarantine
- Self isolation at home: Those diagnosed & those who suspect to have been infected.
- Self quarantine: Those recently traveled to a country with widespread transmission or who have been in direct contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19.
4. Social distancing
- Definition: Infection control actions intended to stop or slow down the spread of a contagious disease by minimizing close contact between individuals.
- Distance need to be maintained between 2 persons: 3-6 feet (1-2 meter) Therefore, Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they 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.
- Measures: Quarantine, travel restrictions, closing schools/workplaces/stadia/theatres/shopping centers/recreational facilities (community swimming pools, youth clubs, gymnasiums), limiting travel, avoiding crowded areas, & physically distancing themselves from sick individuals.
5. If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, call National Helpline number 011-23978046) for further management.
5. Do not visit until unless very urgent. Avoid regular follow ups as of now.
6. Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.
Precautions that need to be taken by all the households
1. Wash milk bags/packets the moment you take it & wash your hands while you are at it.
2. Consider cancelling newspapers.
3. Keep a separate tray for couriers. Courier person can place the envelope/package in the tray and courier should be left untouched for at least 24 hours unless unless urgent to open.
4. Instruct maids not to touch main door. On entering the home, she has to immediately wash hands thoroughly, before touching other things . After that, wipe the calling-bell switch with a cleaning fluid.
5. Avoid getting food through swiggy, zomato etc as far as possible. If necessary, instruct to leave the packet at secure place of house as suggested by you over the call.
6. Wash all fruits and vegetables once you bring them home.
7. Remote, phone and keyboards are the most highly contaminated elements in our house. Clean them at least once a day using cleaning fluid.
8. Wash hands frequently when in house or in office. Once every hour at least. Follow 20 seconds rule while washing the hand.
9. Avoid public transport as far as possible. Even Ola and Uber may be used when absolutely unavoidable.
10. Avoid gyms, swimming pool and other exercise areas, where surface contact or air-borne contamination is inevitable.
11. Cancel tuition, dance/music classes, etc.
12. When you return home from office, shopping, etc. discard your clothes and wash your hands and feet thoroughly.
13. Most importantly, avoid touching hands anywhere on face. Inform children and parents.
14. Ask senior citizens to stop going for the routine walking exercise.
15. Use online payment methods to pay at outside Kirana stores, Dairy etc. As pieces of note you are getting as exchange may be contaminated.
16. Don’t visit hospital until unless very urgent. However if symptoms of #COVID-19 observed, essentially dial the helpline number with no delay.
Lets all be alert. Stay safe. Don’t panic.
