By Martin Sit

The COVID-19 pandemic has been along for almost a year, but unfortunately cases are still rising each day. Here are a few steps and precautions you can take to stay safe from the coronavirus. For more safety tips, you can read guides from trusted sources, such as the CDC and the WHO.

1. Wash Your Hands Often

It is important to wash your hands with soap and water after being in a public area or touching surfaces that other people may have touched. Although this may be obvious, you should wash your hands whenever you normally would (ex. before eating or after using the toilet). Here are the steps to properly wash your hands:

  1. Wet your hands with running water. Then, turn off the tap.
  2. Apply soap throughout your entire hand and scrub for at least 20 seconds.
  3. Rinse your hands with running water.
  4. Turn off the tap with a paper towel.
  5. Dry your hands with a towel or air dryer.

If soap is not available or inconvenient, use hand sanitizers.

2. Physical Distance From Others

Remain at least 6 feet from others whenever you are in the public, as this lowers your chance of being infected. In addition, you should try to stay away from crowded areas.

3. Cover Your Mouth

Before you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth with your elbow. This prevents spreading germs to others around you. Always make sure to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.

4. Wear A Mask

Whenever you are in a public area, be sure to wear a mask. Here are the steps to properly wear a mask:

  1. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
  2. Make sure the metallic nose wire is on the top and that the coloured side is facing outwards.
  3. Wrap the elastic bands around both ears.
  4. Adjust the fit of the mask. Ensure that both the chin and the nose are covered.
  5. Avoid touching the mask after wearing it.

Masks are important, because they prevent droplets that come from coughs or sneezes from transmitting from person to person. This reduces the overall spread of COVID-19.

5. Don’t Touch Your Face

Last but not least, don’t touch your face! Germs can enter your body from your ears, eyes, nose, and mouth. Touching your face can give viruses a direct route into your body. If you have an itch that you desperately have to scratch, wash your hands beforehand.

Ending the COVID-19 pandemic starts with you! Don’t forget to take these precautions and steps to flatten to curve. Stay safe!