Evade COVID-19 under one’s nose — Article of the Year

Evade COVID-19 under one’s nose
Nepal has been under full locked down concerning the COVID- 19 pandemic. The nation had conformed 600 plus corona virus infection as on May 25. Security has started enforcing the lockdown. Supporting the effort of government and health workers some of the precautions can be applied for the welfare of people, family, society and nation. Below mentioned are some useful measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

1.”Physical Distancing” for all
As the spread ofCOVID-19 continues, people are asked to avoid close contact with their close one. This is called physical distancing, and it is effective measure to slow down the spread of virus. Here’s why.
Physical distancing is important
Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay away from other people if possible, even if you or they have no symptoms. Limiting close contact with others people indoor or outside helps to slow down the spread locally and across the country.
To practice physical distance:
Stay at list 6 feet far from other people:
Not going out, before unless it is necessary, if necessary, make a proper distance that is (6feet / 2 meter) talking to someone, buying foods, talking to someone, getting medical care etc.
Do not gather in group:
This includes not getting together in person with friends and relatives, play games in huge mass, go for outing or movie ,not following rituals ( marriage should be stopped during this pandemic) etc.
Stay out of crowded place:
Avoiding crowd is the best precautions which include no use of public transport, not going to crowded shop, schools or public places.

2. Personal hygiene and use of disinfectant

Wash your hand frequently with soap and water for at least (20 second) in each wash or use alcohol-based hand rub (sanitizer), to kill virus that may be in your hand.
Cover your mouth and nose with soft cotton piece or tissue paper or with bent elbow when you cough or sneeze. Change your clothes after coming home from out-door and immediately wash them.

3. Use of gloves and mask
Cover your face with mask and hands with gloves before going out door. Additionally, when taking care of sick people and using an ATM .Mask and gloves may be reusable or disposable.
4. Make yourself mentally strong
Mental stability plays a prime role to be safe from COVID-19.Crona virus is affecting people’s social connectedness, job and incomes as well as increase huge toll in terms of Stress and anxiety. Many people are mentally stressed in fear of falling ill and dying and also they have fear of being socially occluded. So, during this hard time one should be mentally strong and also provide psychological support to each other.
Till date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the corona virus. However above given precautions may be fruitful to slow down its spread to some extent.
Stay safe, stay healthy!

References; mohp.gov.np
Prepared by Author: Bandana Dhakal