How To Stay Safe When Leaving The House

By: Andrea Arias-Zarate

When you are in the position where you need to leave your house due to essential duties, here are some tips to ensure your safety and health whether you’re out grocery shopping or trying to get from place to place.

Don’t forget your face mask!

Covering your mouth and nose with a face mask is essential, recommended by the CDC, and even legally required in most states now when going out to do your primary duties, especially if you are going to be around people. These masks can be hard to come by, but people have created many helpful videos and instructions on how to make your mask. It is encouraged to make homemade masks as they block out bigger particles coming from sneezes and coughs.

Here’s how to make your own CDC approved face mask: https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-make-a-cloth-face-mask/

Do Not Touch!

Avoid touching surfaces with your hands as much as possible. If you’re out shopping, only touch what you plan on buying. When getting produce, do not sort through it with bare hands. That way, you won’t be spreading or picking up germs. Make sure to disinfect your hands after touching surfaces. In addition, avoid your face and mouth. Reminder: Sanitizer will be your best friend when on the go. Once you’re home, make sure to disinfect anything you’ve touched.

This link is a guide on how to disinfect: https://www.wired.com/story/coronavirus-disinfectant-cleaning-guide/ properly

Put your phone away!

Cellphones carry massive amounts of bacteria as they are exposed to dirty surfaces and your germy hands. Keep your phone in a bag or pocket to avoid getting as much bacteria on it as possible, especially if you’re outside. That text can wait until later. When you get back home, clean your phone screen with a disinfectant wipe or alcohol solution(at least 70%), cleaning the back of the phone and phone case, if you have one, as well.

Avoid Public Transportation (if possible)

While taking the bus, it is hard to tell if the person next to you is sick since their symptoms may not be visible. Therefore, safer transportation options include riding a bike, a scooter, driving, or walking if the place is nearby (just make sure to social distance). If you use a rental bike or scooter, make sure to wipe the handles with disinfectant if possible and clean your hands after you finish. However, if public transport is your only option, do not touch anything, such as your face, the people around you, your phone, and metal poles, which can highly carry the virus. If someone is coughing, move away if possible. When getting off, put on sanitizer right away and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds once it is accessible.

Keep Your Distance!

Keeping a distance from others during this time is the primary rule for staying safe. When going outside, stay at least 6 feet away from people who you have not been in your quarantine space. Think of it as keeping a big bubble around you and place a boundary between you and others.

Just Stay Home

Only go outside if you need to, such as going to work or getting essentials. If you’re suffering from boredom, take a walk around the neighborhood if you need some fresh air while taking safety measures directed above. Also, do not invite anyone over or have direct contact with anyone who lives in your home. It may be tough not seeing those you miss, but in the meantime, call or video chat with them instead. Stay home entirely if you are sick or have been in contact with anyone tested positive for the virus. Even though these circumstances may be difficult, it’s a sacrifice we have to make to help flatten the curve.

For more information on how to stay safe during the pandemic, visit the World Health Organization website: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public