Keeping your family safe from Coronavirus — Social Distancing

India is seeing an increase in coronavirus cases, and amidst that, there are many myths doing the rounds on social media about how to protect yourself. Coronavirus spreads the same way as viruses that cause colds and flu, mostly via droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Common surfaces that they touch, such as tables, switches, etc. can carry the virus, and others who touch those surfaces soon after risk carrying it. The key steps you can take to prevent getting infected or infecting others are to: Stay away from sick people, skip large gatherings, and take preventive measures against spreading germs such as washing hands and covering coughs and sneezes into a tissue and safely disposing of it.

Many states and cities are closing schools and asking people to practice “social distancing” to slow the spread of the virus, experts are recommending that everyone take steps to reduce close contact with those outside their immediate family. Social distancing does not mean you and your family have to stay locked indoors, but it means that you should avoid non-essential contact and interactions with others, and stay away from groups of people, even if it means having to make changes to your plans.

A study of cases so far confirms that although kids are at low risk of getting seriously ill from the coronavirus, they could potentially spread the virus to someone more vulnerable, such as an elderly relative, who may be at greater risk. By taking individual precautions for your whole family, we can help protect others.

• Avoid large gatherings of people. This is the reason why schools and restaurants are being shut, and large events are being cancelled. As a family, it may be a good idea to avoid large gatherings, such as birthday parties, kids’ sports matches, and extended family meetings.
• You can still go outside. You and your kids will benefit from exercise, just try to keep a few feet distance between your family and others wherever it is possible.

There is also a lot of discussion around the need to wear masks when in public. Only wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing. Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with soap and water.

It is recommended to wear a mask if:

• You have symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing.
• You are caring for a person that has, or is suspected to have coronavirus.
• You are a health worker attending patients with respiratory problems.

So far, this coronavirus has proven to be most severe to the elderly and those already experiencing other illnesses. Very few children are known to have contracted the virus, and those who have tested positive have generally had mild symptoms.

If you or anyone in your family has:

• Developed coronavirus symptoms, (cough, fever, breathlessness) AND
• You think you have been exposed to the virus (for example, if you’ve recently traveled to an area where it is spreading, or you have been in close contact with someone who has the virus),

Call this 24x7 helpline for further assistance: 01123978046 and the email is ncov2019@gmail.com.

It is preferable to do this instead of visiting a hospital, so that you can take steps to prevent others from becoming infected or exposed to the virus.