During this crisis there has been a lot of misleading and bad information about COVID-19. It is so important that you get your information from official sources and sites, like the WHO or your government. Here are some tips and advice guidelines that you can use to help you stay safe and protected.

Tip 1: Wash your hands regularly

Washing your hands regularly and properly is the most basic and important thing that you can do.

• Wash your hands with sanitizer or soap. The sanitizer must be alcohol based. Any home based soap will also be suitable (e.g. dish-washing liquid, shower gel, soap bar).
• Wash your hands for 20 seconds. This allows the soap enough time to penetrate and break down the cell structure of the virus and kill it.
• Wash your hands properly! Do not forget to wash in-between your fingers and thumbs, your palms, under your nails and the back of your hands.

Tip 2: Wear a face mask properly

There are a lot of conflicting reports about wearing a face mask. In general you should comply with the guidelines of your local or regional government. You can also consider the WHO mask guidelines.  Whatever the case don’t misuse the mask.

1. Wash your hands before you wear the mask as shown above.
2. Make sure the mask covers both your nose and mouth. There should be no gaps between the mask and your face.
3. Don’t touch the mask while you are wearing it. You may contaminate it with the COVID-19 virus.
4. Be careful not to touch the portion that covers your mouth and nose when you take the mask off. Remove the mask using the strings that attach it to your ears or tie behind your head.

Tip 3: Social Distance

You should stay at least 6 feet (2 meter) away from people around, especially when you have to go to the shop or move around for essential reasons. If you are too close to others you may breathe in droplets of COVID-19 virus from people who have coughed or sneezed it into the air.

For more detail and information about preventative measures check out CDC information. They also have information sheets that you can download and share. Be careful and stay safe!

(image: hand photo created by user 3802032 – www.freepik.com)