Back to Basics: Prepare and Protect Yourself from COVID-19
There are health measures we can take to keep ourselves safe during the Coronavirus Pandemic and it all goes back to doing the basics. Individuals, families, organisations, and facilities must be up to date with infection prevention protocols and action plans to monitor the emergence and swift spread of COVID-19.
The Basics of Protecting against Coronavirus
Handwashing
Proper handwashing is one of the most important steps in breaking the chain of acquiring the infection. Respiratory viruses including coronavirus (COVID-19) spread when the droplets containing the virus reach a person’s eyes, nose, and mouth. And most often, this happens because you touch a surface with the virus on it, and then your face.
How to do handwashing properly?
To eliminate all traces of the virus, use hand soap and rinse it thoroughly with clean water for at least 20 seconds.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Both handwashing and sanitising are very effective in killing microbes when used correctly.
Social Distancing
One of the many things communities are doing to slow the virus is practising social distancing.
What is Social Distancing?
Social distancing is about creating physical distance between you and other people. It means keeping 1.5 metres away from people to avoid flying droplets from a sneeze or cough (droplets that carry the virus can travel about that distance).
Social distancing slows infection rates and lowers the chances of catching the virus and spreading it to our loved ones and communities.
Infection Control
The World Health Organisation (WHO) stresses the importance of infection control, especially to our front liners and health care professionals. Infection prevention and control (IPC) are being practiced to prevent cases of COVID-19.
The practice of good hand hygiene, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE’s) and proper disinfection of surfaces help prevent or minimize the transmission of infectious agents.
Get Tested
The first thing you’ll want to do when you suspect you have the virus is to give your GP a call first for advice. Don’t. Go and get tested first. You don’t want to visit a GP clinic if you’re infectious.
While waiting for test results, self-isolate at home and keep a distance from others. Other things you can do are wear a mask, get plenty of rest, and keep yourself well-hydrated.
Looking for more tips on how to protect and prepare yourself from coronavirus? Get proper first aid training. First Aid Pro offers First Aid Training across Australia.
Enrol with us today and be prepared for COVID-19.