March 27th, 2020

How to Protect You and Your Loved Ones from COVID-19

With the recent news and talk of the COVID-19 all round us, it is important that we remain well-educated. This is a scary time for all of us. Old or young, sick or healthy, rich or poor, the Coronavirus does not discriminate and it is spreading quickly. It's time we got our heads out of the sand to fully understand the global pandemic that is happening right now and how to protect ourselves and others.

Below is a video showing the rate of growth in 20 countries. The video follows statistics from January 15-March 20. Skip ahead to 03:10 to see the recent drastic changes in the United States.

 

How long does the virus stay alive on surfaces? Are masks really necessary?

A study done through The New England Journal of Medicine states that the virus can remain in the air for 3 hours until it settles on a surface. So even if you are keeping a 6-foot distance from your neighbor, remember that might not be enough.

It is also suggested that the virus can live up to  24 hours on cardboard and up to 3 days on plastic and steel.

The risk of catching the coronavirus from touching a contaminated surface is low, but wearing protective gear like gloves and a face mask will definitely help. If you are still concerned about the risk, you can wipe down any packages with a disinfectant wipe and wash your hands.

Here are a few steps you can take to protect you and your loved ones from the spread of Coronavirus:

  • Wash your hands for 20 seconds minimum. Sing your favorite song, do a little dance, or maybe invent a soapy handshake with your little one. 

  • Stay inside. Practice social distancing to protect you and your family from catching and/or spreading the virus. Your home is your safe haven. Use this time to connect with family members, play games, and spend quality time with each other. 

  • Offer your elderly or disabled neighbors and family help buying supplies. While everyone is at risk, the elderly are more likely to contract the virus and not recover. Check up on your loved ones and check to see if they need anything.

  • Don't touch your face! I know, easier said than done.

 

The most important thing you can do to keep you and your family healthy and stop the spread of the virus, is to stay inside and practice social distancing. For tips on managing anxiety and fun activities to keep busy at home, check out our article here.