Our lives have changed so dramatically since the end of March that it’s hard to remember a time when hand washing, mask wearing, and social distancing weren’t top of mind. These important science-proven behaviours will help keep you and your loved ones safe, so we need to keep doing them. Even if we’re feeling corona fatigue. Here’s how we can fight the spread of COVID-19 together. By now we all know how COVID-19 is spread – through droplets in the air from infected people (whether they show symptoms or not) or from touching your face, eyes or mouth after coming into contact with a contaminated surface. With the COVID-19 infection rate on the rise and South Africa ranking high on the list of most confirmed cases globally, the need to prioritise non-pharmaceutical interventions to fight the pandemic is becoming more and more important – every day. DID YOU KNOW that by simply talking out loud for 1 minute, you create over 1 000 droplets that stay airborne for up to 14 minutes? While we wait for a vaccine for this virus, the World Health Organization recommends avoiding the 3 Cs and continuing to practise healthy habits: Crowded places Spaces with a large number of people where social distancing is not possible Example: At a funeral Close-contact settings Places or situations where people have close-range conversations Example: Inside a restaurant Confined spaces Spaces with poor ventilation, regardless of the size of the area Example: In an elevator Practising healthy habits Building these simple, yet powerful healthy habits is key to protecting yourself, your loved ones and even your fellow South Africans: • Practise social distancing Deliberately maintain a distance of at least 1.5 metres away from others to protect against liquid droplets that may contain the virus if someone coughs, sneezes, or speaks near you. Here is everything you need to know about social distancing. TOP TIP: Teach your children about social distancing. Need something fun to remember to social distance yourself? Picture a distance of 2 hadeda birds OR 3 penguins OR 1 small shark or 1 cow between you and the next person. • Keep washing those hands Wash your hands throughout the day for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. This helps reduce the chance of the virus being transmitted. Read these tips on how to wash your hands the right way. TOP TIP: Hum the ‘Happy birthday’ song (with the tap turned off!) while you are washing your hands to time the 20 seconds right. • Never leave home without your face mask Treat your face mask as you do your favourite underwear. You want them clean, without holes and fitting you snugly without the need to constantly readjust them. Find out the dos and don’ts of wearing a face mask. TOP TIP: Keep your masks right by the entrance to your home so that you cannot open the door to leave without seeing them. Keep reminding yourself that we have the power to prevent COVID-19 through healthy and responsible behaviours. Your family, friends, community, colleagues, and country is counting on you. Stay home, stay healthy and help save lives. Source: Discovery
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorKevin Yeh Archives
January 2025
Categories
All
|