With the second phase of Unlock beginning in several parts of the country, it is inevitable that businesses and activities will be restored to normal once again (obviously with some restrictions). If you are planning to step out after almost three months of isolation, we recommend doing so with certain precautions. Remember, the government may have announced unlock 2.0 from July 1 but that doesn’t mean our fight against the pandemic is over.
So, here are a few precautions you must take to prepare yourself and your body before you hit the roads:
Precautions During Unlock 2.0 India
Before Stepping Out
Before you take the plunge, remember to follow these common yet not-so-common rules of stepping out during the times of the coronavirus pandemic.
- Repeat After Me: Your Mask Is Your BFF
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As obvious as it may sound, cover your face and nose with a mask before you even step out of your door. Just like you don’t go out without your phone and wallet make it a habit to carry your mask with you wherever you go.
- Socialising Is Fun But Not RN!
After almost three months of quarantining, it’s natural if you can’t resist the urge to catch up with a friend over coffee, go out for a fancy dinner or gulp down a few tequila shots at your fave bar, but this is only going to increase your chances of infection. Stay away from places where you are more prone to come in contact with a large number of people.
- Know The Difference B/W A Buyer & A Smart Buyer
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Rather than stepping out of the house again and again for basic necessities, make it a point to buy a week’s supply at a time. Now, this doesn’t mean you stock your house with a month’s ration. Be a sensible buyer while also avoiding unnecessary trips to the market every day.
While You Are Out
Just because you avoided that handshake doesn’t mean you are safe. The virus can still attack you in a number of other ways. Here are a few precautionary steps you can take:
- Do You REALLY Need To Touch That?
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When you are out at a store touch only those things that you are sure you want to buy. Also, pay online whenever possible. The use of cards and cash can increase the chances of transmission.
- Why Use Fingers When You Can Use Elbows!
Try your best to avoid touching surfaces. If you still have to, then use your elbows, knuckles, or feet rather than your hands. As such you have lesser chances of infecting yourself by touching your face later.
- So Far, So Safe
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Maintain physical distance from whoever you meet on the way. WHO recommends staying away from a minimum of one meter from others to reduce the chances of infection.
After Coming Back Home
Remember the precautions shouldn’t end when you are back at home. Here are a few things you must do once you are inside the safe confines of your home:
- Hello, Hygiene!
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First thing first, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before you touch anything else. You can also use a sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands. What most of us forget is that sanitizing our glasses, purse, phone and keys are as important as sanitizing our bodies.
- Take A Shower or Change Clothes
If you have the slightest doubt that you touched a surface or bumped into another person, take a shower or change all your clothes immediately after you come back home.
- Clean Your Purchases
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After you have washed your hands and your belongings, make sure you also sanitize the items that you have just purchased. Wash the fruits and vegetables and sanitize the packaged goods. If possible discard off the packaging altogether.
