COVID-19: What precautions to take after you come home from outside

Prior to heading out, it is important to wear a face mask/cover for personal hygiene and protection.
COVID-19: What precautions to take after you come home from outside
COVID-19: What precautions to take after you come home from outside

The lockdown and staying cooped up at home hasn’t been easy for many people. And though we may get to step out to buy groceries and essentials, there is always the fear of contracting the infection and questions about whether one is taking the right precautions. Here are certain measures you can take after returning from outside to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

For those living in areas where cases of COVID-19 have been reported from, it may be a daunting task to go outside for essentials. Prior to heading out, it is important to wear a face mask/cover for personal hygiene and protection. Disposable gloves can also be used to avoid direct contact with any potentially infected surfaces.

Some doctors have also advised that you use a separate pair of footwear when heading outside which are preferably closed-toed, if this is feasible. Have a list of things you need to buy ready, so that you don’t spend too much time outside.

When outside, take precautions to maintain appropriate social distance. Avoid contact with unclean surfaces – such as table tops, store shelves, ATM pin pads - as much as possible or only make contact using gloves. If you do not have gloves, avoid touching your face completely while you are outside, and until you come back home and are able to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Some local groceries and outlets provide sanitizer upon entering the premises, use it.

There have been concerns raised that paper currency could be a source of infection – and while the risk is generally considered negligible, if you are worried, stick to using digital modes of payment.

Upon returning home, remove your mask and gloves as per the proper guidelines issued.

Source: World Health Organisation (WHO)

Footwear worn outside can be sprayed with a disinfectant such as Dettol or bleach, and kept separately from others. Fill a bucket with water and add a few drops of any disinfectant and soak the clothes worn outside in the water before washing them. Not just clothes, but towels used should also be washed separately from other laundry.

Have a bath after reaching home. Wash your hands and feet thoroughly with soap and warm water, for at least 20 seconds as advised by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Dispose of all masks, gloves and other possibly contaminated material in a separate plastic bag.

Source: World Health Organisation (WHO)

As of Tuesday, there have been over 4,600 cases of COVID-19 reported in India. The 21-day lockdown is in place until April 14. There has been no confirmation regarding any extension of the lockdown so far.

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