The Coronavirus is changing our daily lives. We are washing our hands more, not hugging, kissing or shaking hands and re-thinking where we go and what we do. Instituting precautions and precautionary habits are our best chance for avoiding the virus. Below is information about daily routines, traveling, public transportation and daily activities.
Daily Routines
Wash Hands OFTEN
As everyone knows by now, washing hands with soap and water is the #1 defense. There are five steps for this process:
- Wet hands with clean running water, then apply soap
- Lather hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of hand, between fingers and under fingernails
- Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds (two rounds of Happy Birthday)
- Rinse hands well under clean, running water
- Dry hands using a clean towel or air dry them
Hands should be washed during food preparation, before eating food, before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea, before and after treating a cut or wound, after using the toilet, after changing diapers or helping a child with toileting, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, after touching an animal, its food or waste including pet treats and after touching garbage.
If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.
Clean “high-touch” surfaces every day
Surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, bedside tables.
Avoid Sharing Common Items
Whether at home, someone else’s home, school, office or other place do not share dishes, glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels or bedding with people or pets. After using these items, wash them thoroughly with soap and water.
Touching Common Items Outside the Home
Use wipes or hand sanitizer when touching common items such as elevator buttons, door knobs, faucets, toilets outside the home.
Traveling, Public Transportation and Daily Activities
Cruise ships and airplanes have been in the news. The current feeling is if the trip is not essential, don’t take it. This is especially true for older people and those with underlying illnesses. If you must fly or take another form of public transportation get accurate information and take steps to protect yourself.
Airplanes
The air inside planes gets recirculated through HEPA filters about three times per hour. The air on planes is often cleaner than that in office buildings or other buildings where people congregate.
Follow advice from experts about bringing wipes and wiping down your seat buckles, seat, seat back, tray table back and front, arm rests, digital screens, window shades, overhead buttons, handles on overhead compartments, seat pockets, handles to restrooms and all that is touched there. After leaving the plane, go to the restroom and wash hands with soap and water.
Public Places and Gatherings Around Home
People have to go to school, work, religious services, and/or hospitals. They have to buy groceries and other items. They enjoy going to movies, theaters, sporting events, casinos, and festivals. The best advice is to go where you must go but re-think going to social events. When you do, wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer. Use delivery services for items needed but wash hands after receiving the deliveries and storing items.
Stay Safe
Do what’s in the best interest of staying healthy during this difficult period. We at The Seniors Answer hope you and your loved ones weather this crisis well
If you need help – get it. We at The Seniors Answer can help your family too as we specialize in assisting seniors and their families with life management issues.
