Thousands who may have been exposed to the coronavirus have been asked to quarantine themselves. It’s harder than it sounds. Stay home unless you must see a doctor. No trips to the office or school, no shopping. If you must come out of your room, wear a mask. And don’t share towels.
Right now, all are being asked to stay home if they have returned from parts of China and Iran; if they have symptoms, like fever and a dry cough, and have spent time in other countries or on cruise ships; or if they are ill without any known source of infection.
Now self-quarantine yourself because of possible infections with the coronavirus, these are a few of the new house rules, courtesy of your local health officials:
- Separation – If you are potentially infectious, it is important that you separate yourself from your partner, your housemates, your children, and your friends
- Masks – If you must be around other people – in your home, or in a car, because you’re on your way to see a doctor (only after you have called)- you should wear a mask, and everyone else should, too.
- Hygiene – If you cough or sneeze, you should cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, and discard the used tissue in a lined trash can. Then you must immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Disinfect – Don’t share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels or bedding with anyone (including your pets). Wash these items after you use them.
- Monitoring – Keep an eye on your health and call a doctor if you develop symptoms or if they worsen. Make sure to tell the medical staff that you are at risk of infection with the coronavirus.
- Household members – Housemates can go to work or school, but it’s going to be their job to stock up on groceries, pick up prescriptions, take care of the quarantined and keep the place clean.
In China, 70 to 80 percent of transmission occurred within family clusters, according to the World Health Organization. Local governments there were forced to set up isolation wards with thousands of beds in gymnasiums and stadiums to care for people who lived alone or were at risk of infecting their families.
Family members should monitor their own health, and contact a doctor if they develop a cough, fever or shortness of breath, signs of Covid-19, the technical name of the illness caused by the coronavirus. Please contact the local helpline, so they can prepare for your visit.
For Health and Safety related queries, please contact our Green World Group – We deliver Occupational Health and Safety related training, seminars for corporates and industries.