The pandemic of COVID-19 is the largest public health crisis in this generation and one of the biggest ever hit in certain countries. It calls for a large-scale actionable plan to help prevent the spread of the infection. The disease spreads via close contact between individuals. While there are many things to learn about the disease, it is known to be transmitted when droplets from an infected person enter your mouth or inhaled into the lungs. This might happen through talking, sneezing, or coughing. Physical or social distancing can make it difficult for the infection to spread. The droplets that carry the virus are unlikely to travel too far. However, there are still some risks considering that the droplets can transmit through air. Regardless of the mode of transmission, it’s important to follow the orders given by national and local authorities. While some other factors affect how the virus spreads, following the stay-at-home protocol is one of the most important things you can help not become a carrier of the virus or avoid getting infected.

1. When Living Alone

The burden of being alone during quarantine takes an increasing toll on mental and physical health. Many individuals are struggling to stay healthy and disease-free and cope with being physically distant from their loved ones. In these uncertain times, we need to recognize that loneliness is a real health issue that we all need to address. To help you face these challenges alone, here’s what you can do;

• Stay informed
• Protect yourself
• Protect the community
• Monitor your health each day
• Keep a clean home
• Stay healthy at home
• Stay virtually connected

2. Living In The Same House With Family

There are lots of adjustments that need to be made at home while quarantining. Several families are navigating uncharted water as they deal with disruptions in daily life, financial trouble, isolation, and employment uncertainties. This can also be a very stressful time for a family member who has an existing health condition and is more vulnerable to the coronavirus disease. This is the time to not only think about the individual health inside your home but for your family as a whole. Here are some practical tips on how you can protect yourself and your family;

• As much as possible, have all family members stay at home
• Do not have visitors come to your home unless it is very urgent
• Frequently clean and disinfect surfaces
• Assign a family member for errands. Make sure they are wearing a mask when going outside and follows sanitation measure upon returning home
• Prevent people at high risk from taking care of children in your home
• Act with caution, as if you are as much as at risk as to the most vulnerable person inside your home

3. Living In Shared Housing With Others

Tenants and renters residing in apartments, dormitories, or other types of shared housing remain at risk. Among experts, the area with shared housing has always been an area of concern. Here’s some piece of advice on how you can stay safe and well while sharing spaces with others;

• Arrange furniture for physical distancing
• Use your eating utensils
• Wash your hands frequently
• Do your laundry
• Take turns eating alone in the common dining area