Tips for protecting yourself and others from Covid 19

You might be aware of the primary precautions that you need to maintain to evade Covid-19; however, it wouldn’t hurt to go over a few more important steps that you must follow:

Hygiene

• After coming from outside or eating your meals, wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds; you can use liquid soap or handwash.
• It is not always possible to wash your hands with soap and water if you are outside; therefore, you can use alcohol-based hand sanitisers.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth every now and then.
• While travelling outside or visiting any place, carry a disinfectant to spray over desks, chairs, doorknobs, etc.
• The objects we use daily, such as mobile phones, keys, wallets, and work passes, have more germs and bacteria than any other. Therefore, make a habit of cleaning and disinfecting these objects at frequent intervals.

Masks

Masks have become a daily accessory that we carry with us everywhere, but there are a few things that you should keep in mind for proper usage:

• Ensure to sanitise or wash your hands before putting the mask on or taking it off.
• Some people forget to cover their mouth or nose properly while wearing masks; make sure to cover them and fit them under your chin.
• Do not touch the front part of your mask while wearing or removing it from your face; if you want to remove it, remove it from the sides.
• Also, if you have removed the mask from your face, don’t keep it hanging around your neck or nose; keep it inside your bag or trouser pocket.
• You can use a new single mask each time and dispose of the old one; at the same time, you can also use reusable masks.
• You must wash the reusable clothes masks and store them in a clean and dry place.

Physical distancing

Physical or social distancing is one of the crucial preventive measures because the farther you are from people, the harder it is for the virus to spread.

• While it might not always be possible to maintain a distance in public places, keep yourself 1.5 metres away from people whenever possible.
• If you greet upon meeting someone, do not handshake, kiss or hug; it might seem rude at first, but they would understand given the circumstances.
• Be extra careful while travelling on public transport wherein you could come in contact with many passengers who may or may not be vaccinated.
• Large gatherings and crowds are a big no-no.
• Maintaining good hygiene is crucial for avoiding the virus.
• If you have cold or flu symptoms, get tested and stay home until you recover.

Other protections and support

• You can avoid the risks of serious illness, hospitalisation, and death if you are fully vaccinated.
• Take a Covid-19 test if you are experiencing any cold or flu symptoms.
• You can find more information about covid in your language.
• The Australian Department of health and aged care is providing adequate medical support and services. Check your local state or territory health department for updates.