Pandemic Checklist: Keep Your Family Safe

It is important that everyone is taking steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during this time and focusing on keeping their family and loved ones safe. Dr. Nikhil Modi (Senior Consultant, Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi) reminds us of the basics COVID appropriate behaviour through a helpful checklist!

At home

Health Checks:

Check your temperature twice daily. In case you don’t have a thermometer, self-monitor to see if you are feeling feverish. Stay home if you’re feeling unwell. Cover coughs and sneezes. Teach kids at home to use tissues and cough into their elbows instead of their hands.

Isolate Sick Individuals:

If someone in your house is sick then get them self-isolate as much as possible. Avoid sharing personal items with the person who is keeping ill.

Hand Hygiene:

Make sure to wash hands with soap and lukewarm water for 20 seconds every time after coming home.

Coats and Shoes:

Leave your coat away from items that belong to you or to your family members. Leave shoes outside by the door. If possible, keep your outerwear separate from the rest of your family’s belongings.

Change Your Clothes:

Place the dirty work clothing in a dedicated bag so one can easily put them into the wash without having to touch soiled items.

Wash Your Face Mask:

Clean your cloth face mask every time after coming back home. Hand wash it soap and hot water. Wring it out or roll it tightly in a towel before air-drying if you don’t have a dryer.

Disinfect High-Touch Areas:

Make sure to frequently clean high-touch areas in your home. Use a disinfectants, soap and water, or a sanitizing spray.

Laundry And Dishes:

Use lukewarm water and detergent/soap to wash clothes and dishes. Wash your hands immediately after handling the dirty items. Wash your hands again before taking out the clean items.

Be Careful With Supplements And Medications:

Check with your doctor before you start any medication or supplement.

Open The Windows:

Open windows and doors periodically for proper ventilation. However, be careful not to have too much airflow from a sick person’s room directly into the rest of the house.

While Going Out:

Do not step out without wearing the mask. If you are going to a market place then try to two masks. Also, if possible wear a face shield and gloves too for extra precaution.

Domestic Help:

Keep spare masks for your help. Maintain precautious hygienic eating standards. Act as a family to your domestic help to stimulate a positive mental positioning needed the most to overcome these tumultuous times.

Eat Healthy:

Eat food items which helps to boost immunity. Vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables are helpful boosting immunity.

At Work

Social Distancing:

Limit work-room occupancy, and maintain 6 feet between individuals at all time as a precautionary measure.

Hand Hygiene:

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap or use hand sanitizer. Make sure to clean finger nails too.

Food Planning:

Bring food with you or order in advance when picking up food. Clean Workstations: At a workstation, make sure to wipe down the phone, computer keyboard, and mouse — as well as the surrounding area — before you use it.

In Between

Public Transportation:

Avoid using public transportation if possible. If you have to take public transport then maintain at least 6 feet of distance from other people. Use hand sanitizer frequently or wash your hands as soon as you are able.

Mobile Ordering:

Avoid crowded stores and long lines by using mobile ordering for groceries or using takeout.