Your day to day life might be vastly different from the life that you were living just a few months ago. It might have changed beyond all recognition as you try to stay at home as much as possible, protecting yourself and others by reducing social contact and staying away from busy places. If you can work from home, or are not currently working at all, you might be trying to stay at home as much as you can, as this is the best way to limit exposure to COVID-19. But it’s not always possible. So, let’s take a look at some of the simple things that you can do to keep yourself, and other members of your household safe, in this new normal.
Only Leave The House If It’s Essential
Ask yourself how often you really need to leave the house? Shopping once a week? Other essentials like healthcare? Perhaps a little exercise, such as a short work. Try to do some of these things on the same trip if you can, possibly walking to the store, and limit your journeys out of your home as much as you can.
Avoid Contact with Delivery Drivers
It’s still ok to order in takeout and other things, such as parcels and shopping, but you should be careful about it. Using parcel lockers at the front of your home can be ideal. It gives delivery staff a safe and secure place to leave your goods and means that you can both avoid contact.
If this isn’t an option, pay online via contactless payments and ask for deliveries to be left outside of your home. When you’ve brought them in, and unpacked them, wash your hands thoroughly to avoid any risks.
Be Aware When You Are Out and About
If you do need to leave the house, be aware of any dangers which may be present. We usually go around touching things without thought. We touch barriers and buttons; we touch things which we don’t buy in the supermarket, it’s normal. Think more carefully. Carry a hand sanitizer if you can, and be more aware of what you are touching, avoiding it as much as possible. Then, be sure not to touch your face until you have washed your hands thoroughly.
Remember, All of the Old Risks are Still Present
COVID-19 hasn’t suddenly taken away all of the other risks to your health and safety. While there are fewer cars on the road, you should still take your time and be careful when crossing. You should still drive carefully and obey the rules of the road, and you should always trust your instincts.
Wash Your Hands
The very best way to protect yourself not only from coronavirus, but from other illnesses, is to wash your hands, regularly and thoroughly, but certainly when you’ve been out of the house or in contact with a person or item from outside of your home.
Make Social Distancing a Habit
Social distancing might feel a little rude. Speaking to someone from two meters away or crossing the road to avoid other walkers feels odd, and it’s not what we are used to. But, if you make it a habit, and remind yourself of why you are doing it, it will quickly become the norm.
Please note that some of the links above and below are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.
