Five Effective Tips To Stay Safe During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak

Daniel Chang

Posted in Zoom Mar 14 · 16 Mar, 2020

Five Effective Tips To Stay Safe During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak

Top 5 Essential Tips to Stay Safe During COVID-19

The safety and health of everyone remain a top priority. As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to affect people worldwide, it is important to follow key safety tips to keep yourself and others healthy. This guide shares five practical steps you can use every day to reduce the risk of infection for you and your loved ones.

1. Keep Hands Clean and Sanitize Regularly

Proper Handwashing Steps

Use soap and warm water to wash your hands often.
Scrub every part: between fingers, under nails, and the backs of your hands.
Wash for at least 20 seconds.

When to Use Hand Sanitizer

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol).
Apply enough sanitizer to cover both hands and rub until dry, which takes about 20 seconds.

Clean Surfaces You Touch Often

Disinfect frequently touched objects: phones, tablets, doorknobs, tables, and light switches.
Wear disposable gloves while cleaning. Wash hands with soap and water after removing gloves.

Studies show that COVID-19 can survive on various surfaces for 8–10 hours, including paper, cardboard, fabric, metals, and plastics (CDC, 2020). Regular cleaning lowers the risk of infection.

Avoid Touching Your Face

Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth, especially if they are not clean.

Maintain Physical Distance and Practice Respiratory Hygiene

Stay at least six feet (about two meters) away from others if possible.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue. Quickly throw away used tissues and wash your hands.

2. Stay Informed With Reliable Information

Trusted Sources to Follow

Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), or your local health department frequently.
Get updates from healthcare professionals.

Prevent the Spread of False Information

Think before sharing news on social media.
Do not forward messages if you are not sure the source is legitimate.
Focus on updates from official authorities.

3. Prepare by Stocking Up on Essentials

Build a 30-Day Supply

Groceries: Canned foods, fresh produce, grains, and snacks that last long.
Household supplies: Soap, toilet paper, laundry detergent, and cleaning items.
Medicines: Prescription and over-the-counter drugs; get enough refills to last a month.

Plan for Special Needs

If you have babies or toddlers, get diapers and baby formula ahead of time.
If you run out, choose curbside pickup or delivery to limit public contact.

Being prepared gives you peace of mind and helps limit trips outside, which lowers your risk of catching or spreading the virus.

4. Postpone Non-Essential Travel

Follow Health Advice

Stay home whenever you can, even if you feel well.
Avoid travel to areas with high infection rates or active outbreaks (CDC, 2021).

Travel Guidelines

Older adults and people with chronic illnesses should avoid travel entirely.
Check local and international travel advisories before making any plans.

Staying at home reduces the chances of virus transmission in our communities.

5. Watch for COVID-19 Symptoms

Common Warning Signs

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
Fatigue and muscle aches

If Symptoms Appear

Keep the sick person in a separate room that has good airflow.
Do not share towels, utensils, or dishes.
If symptoms worsen (trouble breathing, high fever), contact your healthcare provider right away.

Keep calm if someone falls ill, but take action quickly. Early reporting helps prevent further spread in your home and community.

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