It seems like decades have passed between January when most of us were first alerted to the Covid-19 outbreak, and April, when we are now in the midst of a global pandemic during which life as we knew it in Georgia, has changed completely.
Over these weeks, there have also been changes in the way we approach prevention guidelines for Covid-19. These have changed significantly, too. Some Covid-19 precautions, however, remain standard.
Wash your hands frequently. An alcohol-based sanitizer is best. However, even thorough washing with a non-alcohol-based hand wash can also reduce your chances of contracting the infection.
As the days progressed into the biggest pandemic in recent years, researchers have also learned that the virus can stay on surfaces for a few hours. The exact amount of time the virus can remain live on surfaces can range from a few hours to 3 days. To be on the safe side, sanitize door knobs, table tops, staircase railings, and other surfaces with alcohol wipes every day.
Similar steps must be taken to sanitize groceries and other items entering your house. Use alcohol wipes to sanitize packaging. If that’s not possible, keep non-perishable items outside the kitchen or the main living areas for three days before moving them into the house, giving time for the virus to die out.
Researchers also now believe that droplets containing the virus can remain in the air for a few hours after being discharged into the environment. In the earlier days of the Coronavirus pandemic, the World Health Organization said that wearing masks would help prevent carriers from spreading the disease, but would do nothing to prevent you from contracting the disease from others. To some extent, that thinking still holds true, but the organization now recommends that all people wear cloth masks to reduce the risk of infection while going out.
That doesn’t mean that you wear a mask and ignore all social distancing protocols, however. The six feet of personal space rule continues to apply when out in public. Avoid going out except for emergencies, like buying groceries or for medical reasons. If you must go out for exercise or for your mental health, follow the six feet rule strictly.