COVID-19 GUIDE, SAFETY MEASURES & BEST PRACTICES

Please refer to credible sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for up-to-date information on the COVID-19 aka CORONAVIRUS outbreak.

If the Coronavirus disease 2019 is not a sign from the universe, if the COVID-19 is not mother nature’s way of telling us humans to slow down and rethink our ways of life then I do not know what is!?

Schools and colleges are being closed, conferences and events are being canceled, travel has been restricted, working from home (where possible) is becoming the norm, stock markets are crashing, businesses all over are being impacted, and the list goes on and on and on. All of this has been extremely overwhelming, rapid and uncertain!

While the light-hearted memes about COVID-19 are sure funny, the seriousness of this unprecedented issue is not something that should be taken lightly.

Let’s educate ourselves, let’s be informed, let’s be responsible, let’s not give in to fear, let’s not spread panic, let’s not hoard, let’s be kind to one another during these uncertain times, and please, let’s all do our part to not spread this pandemic further.

And for those interested, just going to leave this here.

P.S. It warms my heart to see so many people coming together during such unprecedented times and all the kindness that is going around, but at the same time it also deeply troubles me to see how some people can be so ignorant, selfish, and have their own agenda no matter the circumstances! Please use your best judgment, stay safe, and stay healthy!

TIPS TO STAY POSITIVE & PRODUCTIVE DURING CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

With the rapid progression of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, I URGE YOU to proactively take the necessary precautions and practice social distancing to flatten the curve. The CDC defines social distancing as “remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gathers and maintaining distance (about 6 feet) from others when possible.”

You and your family might not be vulnerable or belong in the high-risk category for COVID-19 and the Coronavirus might absolutely have no effect at all on your health, but please keep in mind that you could very well be a transmitter and your poor and inconsiderate choices might expose others who are immunocompromised and vulnerable to Coronavirus and put them and their health at risk.

HOW TO HELP DURING COVID-19?

COVID-19 GUIDE, SAFETY MEASURES, DO’S & DON’TS

1. Only share verified information (if you are an ‘influencer’ please be extra cautious of what you share, but PLEASE use your ‘influence’ and ‘voice’ during such crucial times to raise awareness and share resources (and not just to promote products and sales). I am so disappointed in the so-called ‘big influencer’ community, read more here.

2. Stay at home as much as possible. Helping to save the world has never been this easy!

3. Cancel your travels! Cheap flights/accommodations and dreamy destinations are inviting and tempting, yes, but none of those are worth being selfish and putting your as well as others lives in danger!

4. Practice social distancing to flatten the curve. Stay away from social events and gatherings, do not go to the movies/malls, and do not plan playdates/parties. There will be a time for that!

5. Please work from home if you are able to.

6. Buy essentials and groceries necessary for the next 2-3 weeks. STOP panic buying and hoarding. Please allow others an opportunity to buy what is required as well.

7. Wash your hands as often as possible and use sanitizer only when you do not have access to water and soap.

8. Use delivery and pick-up services when available.

9. Regularly check up on your family, friends, and neighbors and help if/when you can.

10. Support small businesses and restaurants in any way you can. Order take out, buy gift cards for use later, promote them if you have the ability to, etc.

11. Sign up for virtual meet-ups and events to support each other, socialize, and also to maintain your sanity.

12. DO NOT use COVID-19 as an opportunity to spread false news and fear.

13. DO NOT use this as an opportunity to falsely advertise your products and sell them.

14. DO NOT hug, kiss, handshakes or high fives. Namaste is a great alternative!

15. Avoid taking any type of public transportation if possible.

16. DO NOT go to the gym but please work out at home, there are tons of at-home workout options available.

17. Take care of your health and do things that will help build your immune system.

18. DO NOT consume all the bad news and negativity that is out there!

19. Be grateful for the people (doctors, nurses, first responders, etc), who are putting themselves in danger and have to be out there amidst all of this and treat the affected! I can only imagine how hard it must be for them and their families.

20. Be thankful for all the people who still have to physically go to work to keep everything running smoothly (grocery stores, utilities, post offices, etc).

21. Pray for those who are affected, pray for the ones who are immunocompromised, pray for the safety of the people who have to (not want to) leave their homes for the sake of others (and also because that is the only way they can earn a living).

Image source: https://www.picuki.com/

Sharing some basic information about COVID-19 below from CDC and WHO.

What is Coronavirus Disease 2019?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

How does COVID-19 spread?

The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath.

What are severe complications from COVID-19?

Some patients have pneumonia in both lungs, multi-organ failure and in some cases death.

What preventive actions should people take to protect themselves and others from COVID-19?

Stay home when you are sick
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

“It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change! “

xoxo,

Kusum