The recent COVID-19 outbreak has caused distress and dismay around the world. In Philadelphia, people are panicking in an effort to avoid catching the virus at all costs. However, you do not need a thousand rolls of toilet paper or a gallon of hand sanitizer to stay safe. By following these important steps, you can keep yourself clean and safe from the virus. 

As you may have heard, the most pressing and effective way to ensure your safety is to practice proper hand-washing technique. As well as knowing when to do so. For example, before or after eating and preparing food, after using the bathroom, after sneezing, etc. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, proper hand-washing technique includes using warm or cold water, lathering up your hands using trusted soaps, scrubbing for 20 seconds (you can measure this by singing “Happy Birthday” twice); and carefully rinsing. If soap and water are not immediately available, use hand sanitizer. It is a good alternative to have, but remember to use the classic soap and water whenever you can. 

This method is especially important because of the presumed way the virus spreads. The most common way COVID-19 can spread is from person to person. Either from close contact (within 6 feet) or through airborne droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs. There are other rare cases, such as touching an infected object or being around an individual that has not shown symptoms yet, but the main spreading is from person to person.

In addition to practicing proper hygiene, the preventative measure that is second in lead is wearing a mask. Since the beginning of the outbreak, people have made wearing disposable masks and gloves a trademark. Although this is practical in some cases, if you are not aware of the proper way to routinely change said masks and/or gloves, you are better off without them if you keep your hands clean and away from your face.

The case is the same while you are in public as well. Although most shops and events with over 50 people are shut down now, people are still able to go outside on some occasions. Either to go shopping for essentials or exercise, so it is important to be mindful of what you do and where you put your hands while outside. Remember whatever you do to do it alone and away from people. 

SEPTA, for example, may have surfaces where people may place their hands and place whatever germs they have on them. When touching rails, you may not need to spray the train down with Lysol, but remember to keep your hands away from your face or mouth until the opportune times listed above.

While most people are self-quarantining right now, spraying Lysol occasionally will help with preventing the virus from entering homes. Lysol brand products, as well as Clorox, Raptor, Sterlex, Lonza, Oxyteam, and other products will also aid in combating the virus around the home. So spray, wipe, and disinfect to your heart’s content. Remember to keep your hands clean and away from your face, and to be extra cautious when you are in public.