Coronavirus: Staying safe

The coronavirus has reached pandemic status and it’s scary for most people. Many people are in a state of panic and mayhem at the moment.

With so many people affected around the world, one could see why we need to stay safe and informed.

The coronavirus was originated in Wuhan, China. It was though to have come about from people eating exotic animals, most notable bats. This is how the virus was able to be transmitted to humans.

The mode of transmission is by droplet(sneezing, coughing), causing respiratory issues. With that in mind everyone has to careful when they come in contact with other people.

Living in New York sometimes it’s hard to not get sick, as the air is heavily polluted, plus the trains and streets are packed with people.

Not only that when you live in New York, it’s like a whole new world and you march the beat of your own drum. With that being said with a pandemic out New Yorkers are the last to jump into action.The coronavirus has left many people fearing for their lives and stocking up everything off the shelves. It’s a scary time as you don’t know if you will happen in the near future.

BUT I AM HERE TO SAY, DON’T PANIC!!!

I am one of the few people who isn’t fearful. I am more worried about the large number of people who have lost their jobs, or than we will run out of food.

Why the nonchalant attitude? Well someone has to remain calm to make sure we get through this safely. That doesn’t mean I will go on spring break now, but I won’t be fearful either.

With that being said I want us to get through this, informed and safely. There are four modules we should live by that will stop the disease from spreading.

#1 Maintain proper hygiene

The coronavirus is transmitted in droplet form, which means by coughing and sneezing. It’s easy for many of us to do so in our hands and then grab a hold of the nearest door knob or railing.  

It is essential that we all wash our hands and maintain proper hand hygiene, wash your for at least 20 seconds. 

If you are on the go and unable to, have a bottle of hand sanitizer handy. By no means does this mean not to wash your hand all day, and relying only on hand sanitizer.

The number one rule to the prevention of a disease is proper hand hygiene.

#2 Wear a mask

As previously stated the coronavirus is transmissed by droplet and that means sneezing or coughing can spread the virus. 

By now many people don’t have access to any mask, unless you work in the healthcare setting or you had previously bought mask early on have ample supply.

If you do have access to a mask it’s best to wear it when around large groups of people. It is recommended that no more than ten people gather, but don’t take any chances. Wear it when you are around at least four or five people.

You can wear it anytime, even if you aren’t around anyone but the more people around the easier the transmission.

#3 Personal space

Another way to slow down virus progression is enacting personal distance of about 6 feet. By doing this it decreases your chance of catching the virus and if positive, from spreading.

Personal space is just as important as hand washing. Whenever you are out in public practice this rule to keep yourself safe.

#4 Don’t panic

This one is hard, trying not to go to the grocery store and buy up all the toilet paper or water. The television isn’t making it easier either as they are closing many businesses and causing people to lose their job.

The virus itself isn’t the fear but what comes along with it and that can happen over time. This alone makes people panic and become irrational. Panicking will not help or make things better, this will only make you more anxious and cause great stress

I want to encourage everyone to take the proper precautions and measures to stay safe. This virus isn’t going to go away overnight  and so we have to do our part to stop it from spreading.