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Writer's pictureEsther and Catherine
Mar 28, 20203 min read

Do's and Don'ts During the Coronavirus Pandemic

The outbreak of coronavirus has caused worry and anxiety for many people. Both those who are infected or know someone who has tested positive are panicking about what to do. During times like these, there are certain things one should be aware of and remember to do or don’t do.


DO:

IF YOU HAVE THE VIRUS:

  • Stay home unless you need medical care

    • You can recover from mild cases at home without medical care

  • Stay in touch with your doctor:

    • If you have trouble breathing or show any severe/critical symptoms it is crucial to listen to your doctor’s orders because he/she knows best

  • Social distance

    • If you have multiple family members at home, make a permanent safe space for yourself ONLY

  • Wear face masks at all times

    • When around other people and in public

    • Respiratory droplets can travel up to 6 ft so face masks will prevent traveling beyond

  • Wash your hands

    • For 20 sec after going outside, coughing, sneezing, or touching surfaces

      • Credible sources have recommended singing the jingle happy birthday twice or you can sing any part of a song for the recommended amount of time

    • Wear gloves in the house and in public

      • If there are other people living in the same house, wear gloves to prevent spreading through contact

  • Set separate items for yourself

    • Ex. towels, cups and other utensils

  • Monitor your symptoms

    • This can dictate if have a mild, moderate, severe, or critical case

    • If you develop any of the symptoms such as trouble breathing, chest pain, bluish lip/face, get medical attention IMMEDIATELY

  • Take proper nutrition

    • Drink many fluids, exercise, and rest

      • Exercise at home: exercising decreases your susceptibility to getting sick

  • Stay informed on updates

    • Number of rising cases

    • New theories by doctors

    • Advancements made to fight the pandemic

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE VIRUS:

  • Doesn’t mean you do not have to follow the same precautions

    • You are still susceptible to contracting the virus

  • Clean common surfaces with alcohol or other disinfecting sprays

    • Use products that are 70% alcohol/EPA-registered disinfectants

    • Wipe down surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, chairs, light switches, remotes, handles, sinks, toilets, devices such as phones and tablets

  • Donate to local food banks and organizations that help people in need during this crisis

    • Chip in small amounts if you can

      • It helps those who are unemployed, need food, families who have low incomes, and etc.


DON’T:

  • Panic:

    • About 80% of the viruses are mild cases and there is only 1-3.4% chance of fatality

    • Stay alert, not anxious

  • Travel beyond ur state or internationally

    • Especially if you have tested positive or are ar risk for contracting the virus

  • Touch face without washing your hands

  • Share utensils

    • You shouldn’t do this in the first place.

  • Go to crowded areas

    • Except for necessary places like grocery stores

  • Call for testing when if you don’t have symptoms or haven't been exposed to people who tested positive

  • Believe everything you see on the internet and spread misinformation

    • Trust doctors and check that your online sources are reliable

    • Spreading false information can create more paranoia and skepticism

  • Develop hostile attitudes towards Asians

    • At a time like this, it is important that people around the world work together to fix this rather than point fingers.

    • Enforcing stereotypes and spreading hostility will only aggregate the situation.

  • Stay in front of a screen for hours upon hours

    • Staying in quarantine doesn’t mean you need to be on an electronic device 24/7.

  • Stay up late into the night

    • Getting eight hours of sleep is critical to maintaining a healthy immune system

  • Hoard all the food from the supermarket

    • Store enough food, but be mindful of elders who may need it more than you do

  • Buy all the toilet paper you can find

    • The symptoms are coughing, shortness of breath, and fever, not uncontrollable diarrhea.

    • Again, be mindful of those who may need it as well.

  • Mix certain chemicals when cleaning that may create toxic gasses.

    • While cleaning is important, be mindful that there are certain products to never mix.

    • Bleach + Vinegar

      • Produces chlorine gas that causes coughing, breathing problems, burning and watery eyes.

    • Bleach + Ammonia

      • Produces chloramine, which causes shortness of breath and chest pain

    • Bleach + Rubbing alcohol

      • Produces chloroform, which is a highly toxic gas

    • Hydrogen Peroxide + Vinegar

      • Produces peracetic/peroxyacetic acid, which can be highly corrosive

  • Take medication other than the one prescribed by your doctor

    • Not all medication has had enough research done for it to be effective against the virus

    • The side effects can backfire and worsen your health


While this may seem overwhelming to always keep in mind, the most important thing at this time is to not panic. Panicking rarely solves any situation. Stay alert, not anxious.



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