Protective Measures During COVID-19 Pandemic

By Dr. Ameena Mujahid

During covid-19 pandemic you must adopt the following  preventive measures and strategies to reduce  transmission of corona virus.

• wash your hands for at least 20 seconds , before during and after cooking  & eating,after using toilet ,blowing your nose , coughing ,before and after treating patient.
• stay informed about covid-19 but don’t afraid of.
• stay up to date about covid-19 in your area.
• Protect yourself.
• If possible, people who are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 should not care for someone with COVID-19.
• These people include elderly persons, those with chronic medical conditions (e.g. heart diseases, diabetes mellitus) or compromised immune systems.
• If you need to be within 2 metres of the ill person, must wear PPE  (personal protective equipment).(e.g)a medical mask,disposable gloves,eye protections and cover all suit.
• You must not reuse  medical masks or gloves.
• Clean your hands  for at least 20 seconds, especially after contacting with the ill person and after removing gloves, face masks and eye protections and dry your hands with  tissue paper.If not available, use a  towel and replace it when it becomes wet.
• You can also remove dirt with a wet wipe and then use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• You must avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Use of face  masks:
• Medical masks are recommended for COVID-19 patients in the home and for protection for those who are  providing care to COVID-19 patients at home.
• N95 masks (respirator)  must be reserved for healthcare workers and should not be used during care giving at home.
• A non-medical mask or face covering may also be worn by those providing direct care to COVID-19 patients at home. 
• You should adopt hygiene and public health measures, including frequent hand washing and to maintain a physical distance of at least 2 metres from the ill person,that will reduce the chance of being exposed to the corona virus.
• Non-medical cloth masks should be carefully removed when soiled or damp,washed  in hot water and then dried thoroughly.
• You must wash hands before and after putting on and removing a mask.
• Monitor yourself for symptoms:
• If you have always used the recommended precautions, then monitor yourself for symptoms for 14 days by quarantine(self-isolation).
• Conclusion:
• There are a lot of resources available to help you navigate care giving during this difficult time. It’s normal to be feeling overwhelmed, and your first step can be as easy as starting a care giving plan and sharing it with your friends and family. Stay informed, stay safe, and don’t forget to take time for your own health and well being.