‘Prevention is better than cure’ goes to popular adage. Here we list the precautions and preventive measures to take, according to World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

IT IS ALL IN YOUR HANDS

Both WHO and CDC recommend washing your hands with soap and water often. According to WHO, washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based (at least 60 per cent alcohol content) hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

DISTANCE KEEPS GERMS AWAY

Social distancing is now a popular hashtag. However, make sure it more than just that. What experts mean by social distancing is that you ‘physically keep a 2m (6 feet distance) between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. According to WHO, when someone coughs or sneezes, small liquid droplets escape from their nose or mouth and if you are standing too close then you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

CLEANLINESS IS KEY

Clean, Clean, Clean and disinfect as often as you can. Throughout the day, we touch so many surfaces, including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks and more! CDC suggests using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

STAYING HOME CAN SAVE LIVES

If you aRe feeling ill, do not go out. Stay at home and follow all the directions made by the local health authority. Seek immediate medical attention if you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Don’t wait till symptoms get worse. Timely consultation with your doctor will help them identify the health issues and treat them accordingly.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the
  inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• All it takes is a 20-second hand washing ritual (first verse of any song) that must
  be followed after you have been in a public space, or after blowing your nose,
  coughing, or sneezing.
• When washing Hands, make sure you cover all the surfaces of your hand.