COVID-19 has changed every facet of life for the time being. So, it’s important to do everything we can to stay healthy – not just for our own sake but for our loved ones too. Here are four things you can do to avoid illness and slow the spread of coronavirus.
1. Practice social distancing.
It might sound obvious, but the best way to prevent illness is to avoid it entirely. And that means social distancing. Think twice before going out to public spaces, especially places that have a lot of people. And if you have to meet others in person, try to stay at least six feet away from each other. Something as innocuous as a cough could send microscopic particles flying through the air. So, six feet of distance is a good rule of thumb. This practice helps to slow and control the spread of the virus, which is important for our healthcare facilities. It also helps people with weakened immune systems or other underlying conditions stay safe.
2. Wipe down hard surfaces.
Take care to wipe down surfaces with alcohol wipes or another disinfecting wipe, especially if a lot of people touch them. This includes door handles, light switches, computer keyboards, and phones. And if you have a Lingraphica communication device, we have a video to help you clean and sanitize it.
3. Practice good, courteous hygiene.
Wash your hands well and often, avoid touching your face, cough into your elbow, and throw out tissues after each use. According to the CDC, you only need to wear a face mask if you are sick. If you even think you might be sick, stay home. And if you worry that you might have COVID-19 and need medical attention, it may be helpful to call your local emergency room ahead of time so they can make the necessary preparations.
4. But also take care of cabin fever.
No one likes being stuck at home, especially with the weather warming up. But, practicing social distancing would be the responsible thing to do. That doesn’t mean you can’t “see” your loved ones. Coordinate a time and use a video calling app like FaceTime or Zoom for a virtual get-together. You can also organize ongoing video games with your friends and family. We wrote a list of video games for people with aphasia and their loved ones to enjoy together. Take a look and see which ones might be fun to you.
It’s important to stay safe in these uncertain times. Be mindful of your surroundings and take care to follow good hygienic and cleaning practices. If you’re interested in learning how Lingraphica is responding to COVID-19, read our blog post here.
