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Coronavirus Awareness Guide: Daily Life

The following is a series of questions and answers provided to raise awareness on the coronavirus pandemic.

We know these are scary times for all of us. In these times of uncertainty and anxiety, may the content here bring comfort and confidence. Please read and share.

What is social distancing?

At this point, containment through contact tracing and increased testing is only part of the necessary strategy. We must move to pandemic mitigation through widespread, uncomfortable, and comprehensive social distancing.

This means not only shutting down schools, work (as much as possible), group gatherings, and public events, but also making daily choices to stay away from each other as much as possible to flatten the curve.

What rules should I follow for social distancing?

1. No kid playdates, parties, sleepovers, or families/ friends visiting each other’s houses and apartments.

2. Take care of yourself and your family, but maintain social distance.

3. Reduce the frequency of going to stores, restaurants, and coffee shops for the time being.

4. If you are sick, isolate yourself, stay home, and contact a medical professional.

PHOTO CREDIT: NORBERT KUNDRAK

What do I need to do if I’m sick?

STAY AT HOME

With a weaker immune system, you will be more vulnerable,and exposing others will make them more susceptible too.

WEAR A MAKESHIFT MASK

Even a scarf or other cloth is better than nothing forreducing the spray of droplets when you cough or sneeze.

CALL AN AMBULANCE

If you suspect you have coronavirus and can’t drive, callfor an ambulance instead of taking public transit.

PHOTO CREDIT: PIXABAY

What should I do when I takepublic transit?

OFF-PEAK HOURS

If you can’t drive or walk where you need to go, commute by public transit during off-peak hours.

AVOID SURFACES

While in transit, avoid touching poles and handles. You can also wear gloves, but they should be removed as soon as you are back indoors.

PHOTO CREDIT: JEFFREY CZUM

What should I do when I leave then come back home?

RUN ERRANDS ALL TOGETHER & AT OFF-PEAK HOURS

Get as much done at once when it’s not busy.

DON’T MIX ‘OUTSIDE’ AND ‘INSIDE’ CLOTHES

Every time you get home, change your clothes and shoes. Wash them as soon as possible.

TAKE A SHOWER AFTER EVERY OUTING

Jump in the shower right away if you can. Children touch their faces often; bathe them with soap & water.

PHOTO CREDIT: KELLY LACY

What should I do to get food?

GET IT DELIVERED

Always opt for grocery or restaurant delivery if you haveaccess to those services.

USE SELF-SERVICE CHECKOUT

If you have to go to the store, minimize contact with otherpeople.

WASH & DISINFECT ITEMS BEFORE STORAGE

Use warm water and soap to scrub any washable items.For all other items, wipe down with alcohol.

PHOTO CREDIT: ANNA SHVETS

With racist incidents toward Asians and Asian Americans, is this a teaching moment for social justice?

Absolutely. We must remind the children in our lives that viruses can make anyone sick, regardless of a person's race or ethnicity. No matter where scientists first documented COVID-19, this outbreak isn't anyone's fault. Similarly, just because someone looks different or talks differently, doesn't mean they are at a higher risk of getting the coronavirus or spreading it.

PHOTO CREDIT: MIN AN

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