Days have turned into months. Information is changing. Now we know that coronavirus does not spare younger people. It was false hope. It’s however good to be in the know.
According to WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, ”Although older people are the hardest hit, younger people are not spared”
Data shows that younger people form a significant number of hospital admissions.
”I have a message for younger people. You are not invincible. This virus could put you in the hospital for weeks or even kill you. Even if you don’t get sick the choices you make about where you go could be the difference between life and death for someone else.”
What Can You Do To Prevent Spread of Coronavirus
1. Wash your hands with soap and water
You are advised to do this regularly for 20 seconds each time. This is the most effective way to prevent illness and infection. If you have been out in the public or touched shared wash your hands. Do you doubt your handwashing skills? Here is how to do it.
If you cough or sneeze, wash your hands. Before cooking and eating, wash your hands. You get the drift. Just wash your hands. You will keep yourself and others safe. If you do not have access to soap and water then you can use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content. This is a temporary measure. It does not replace soap and water.
Keep your hands and fingers away from your eyes, nose, and mouth.
2. Practice Social Distancing
This is especially if you are not well. It actually helps to just implement the recommended 1-metre distance even in the office or public places. Remember this is not for a lifetime. Coronavirus will pass and you can go back to your normal life.
If you can work from home, do so. It also applies to public transport. Crowding in a matatu can provide a fertile ground for infections.
Minister for health Mutahi Kagwe has already announced that bars will close from 7.30 pm starting Monday the 23rd. Don’t try to be clever and make this weekend a party after-party celebration. You are a key stakeholder in this. Stay away from crowded places. Alcohol is not going anywhere. Keep everyone safe.
The temptation to rush to the village is there. It is understandable. To love your parents or grandparents is to stay out where you are for now. Make use of technology. Call them. Text them. Tell them you love them all to bits and don’t forget to send that Mpesa.
3. Cough and Sneeze hygiene.
It is simple. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a hand towel. Immediately wash your hands. Also, do not spit into the environment. This applies even after coronavirus has passed.
4. Take Care of Yourself.
The deluge of information is enormous. There is the temptation to click on every piece of info on Whatsapp, FB, Instagram, Twitter. TV and radio stations just won’t give us a different menu. It is scary. It is overworking your mind and causing more fear and panic. You don’t need that right now. Take a break from the information overload.
Sleep is important. It will give your body the much-needed rest. If you are stressed, you may not get enough of it.
A balanced diet is crucial. Your vegetables, fruits have never needed you more than they do now.
Caring for yourself is caring for others.
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