What are some ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19?
Social distancing, washing your hands and good respiratory hygiene (using and disposing of tissues), cleaning surfaces and keeping indoor spaces well ventilated are the most important ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
What are some precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
These include getting vaccinated, ventilating indoor spaces, wearing a face covering or mask in certain situations and keeping up good hand and respiratory hygiene – such as covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
What are some ways by which COVID-19 can spread?
The virus can spread from an infected person's mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. These particles range from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols.
How should you maintain social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at home with possible infection?
Spend as little time as possible in shared spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms and sitting areas. Avoid using shared spaces such as kitchens and other living areas while others are present and take your meals back to your room to eat. Observe strict social distancing.
Which types of settings does COVID-19 spread more easily?
The “Three C's” are a useful way to think about this. They describe settings where transmission of the COVID-19 virus spreads more easily:
• Crowded places;
• Close-contact settings, especially where people have conversations very near each other;
• Confined and enclosed spaces with poor ventilation.
In what conditions does COVID-19 survive the longest?
Coronaviruses die very quickly when exposed to the UV light in sunlight. Like other enveloped viruses, SARS-CoV-2 survives longest when the temperature is at room temperature or lower, and when the relative humidity is low (<50%).
Can the coronavirus disease spread through the air in rooms?
In poorly ventilated rooms the amount of virus in the air can build up, increasing the risk of spreading COVID-19, especially if there are lots of infected people in the room. The virus can also remain in the air after an infected person has left.
How can I protect myself and others when using disinfectants?
Disinfectant solutions should always be prepared in well-ventilated areas. Wash your hands after using any disinfectant, including surface wipes. Keep lids tightly closed when not in use. Spills and accidents are more likely to happen when containers are open. Do not allow children to use disinfectant wipes. Keep cleaning fluids and disinfectants out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away disposable items like gloves and masks if they are used during cleaning. Do not clean and re-use.
Do not use disinfectant wipes to clean hands or as baby wipes.
How do I stay active in and around the home during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Try and reduce long periods of time spent sitting, whether for work, studying, watching TV, reading, or using social media or playing games using screens. Reduce sitting for long periods by taking short 3-5 minute breaks every 20-30 minutes.
What is social distancing?
Social distancing measures are steps you can take to reduce social interaction between people. This will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Can I become infected with COVID-19?
COVID-19, along with many other respiratory infections such as influenza (flu), can spread easily and cause serious illness in some people. You may be infected with a respiratory virus such as COVID-19 and not have any symptoms but still pass infection onto others.
Can the coronavirus disease spread through food?
It is very unlikely that COVID-19 is transmitted through food. However, as a matter of good hygiene practice, anyone handling food should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before doing so. Crockery and eating utensils should not be shared. Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly.
Can COVID-19 be transmitted through water?
Fact: Water or swimming does not transmit the COVID-19 virus
The COVID-19 virus does not transmit through water while swimming. However, the virus spreads between people when someone has close contact with an infected person.
How should I wash clothes to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
To reduce the possibility of spreading the virus through the air, do not shake dirty laundry. Wash items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. All dirty laundry can be washed in the same load. If you do not have a washing machine, wait a further 72 hours after your self-isolation has ended when you can then take the laundry to a public launderette.
Where was COVID-19 first discovered?
The first known infections from SARS-CoV-2 were discovered in Wuhan, China. The original source of viral transmission to humans remains unclear, as does whether the virus became pathogenic before or after the spillover event.
Can you get a COVID-19 vaccine if you are pregnant?
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation ( JCVI ) has now advised that pregnant women are more at risk of severe COVID-19 disease. They are reminding pregnant women to have their COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. They should not delay vaccination until after they have given birth.
How can one stay physically active during COVID-19 self-quarantine?
Walk. Even in small spaces, walking around or walking on the spot, can help you remain active. If you have a call, stand or walk around your home while you speak, instead of sitting down.
What are some exercises that you can do to stay physically active during self-quarantine?
Bridge
Plant your feet firmly on the ground with the knees over the heels. Lift the hips as much as it feels comfortable and slowly lower them again. Perform this exercise 10–15 times (or more), rest for 30–60 seconds, and repeat up to 5 times. This exercise strengthens your glutes.
Chair dips
Hold onto the seat of a chair, with your feet about half a meter away from the chair. Bend your arms as you lower your hips to the ground, then straighten the arms. Perform this exercise 10–15 times (or more), rest for 30–60 seconds, and repeat up to 5 times. This exercise strengthens your triceps.
Chest opener
Interlace your fingers behind your back. Stretch your arms and open your chest forward. Hold this position for 20–30 seconds (or more). This position stretches your chest and shoulders.
Child's pose
With the knees on the ground, bring your hips to your heels. Rest your belly on your thighs and actively
Why is physical activity important during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Regular physical activity benefits both the body and mind. It can reduce high blood pressure, help manage weight and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and various cancers. It also improves bone and muscle strength and increases balance, flexibility and fitness.
What protective measures should I take while using disinfectants?
• The disinfectant and its concentration should be carefully selected to avoid damaging surfaces
and to avoid or minimize toxic effects on household members (or users of public spaces).
• Avoid combining disinfectants, such as bleach and ammonia, since mixtures can cause
respiratory irritation and release potentially fatal gases.
• Keep children, pets and other people away during the application of the product until it is dry and
there is no odour.
• Open windows and use fans to ventilate. Step away from odours if they become too strong.
• Disinfectant solutions should always be prepared in well-ventilated areas.
• Wash your hands after using any disinfectant, including surface wipes.
• Keep lids tightly closed when not in use. Spills and accidents are more likely to happen when
containers are open.
• Do not allow children to use disinfectant wipes. Keep cleaning fluids and disinfectants out of the
reach of children and pets.
Should I wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when cleaning surfaces?
When cleaning surfaces, it is not necessary to wear personal protective equipment ( PPE ) or clothing over and above what would usually be used.
What is the best household disinfectant for surfaces during COVID-19?
Regular household cleaning and disinfection products will effectively eliminate the virus from household surfaces. For cleaning and disinfecting households with suspected or confirmed COVID19, surface virucidal disinfectants, such as 0.05% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and products based on ethanol (at least 70%), should be used.
Is it safe to live in the same house as someone with COVID-19?
People who live in the same household as someone with COVID-19 are at the highest risk of becoming infected because they are most likely to have prolonged close contact. People who stayed overnight in the household of someone with COVID-19 while they were infectious are also at high risk.
How does fresh air help to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
Bringing fresh air into a room and removing older stale air that contains virus particles reduces the chance of spreading COVID-19. The more fresh air that is brought inside, the quicker any airborne virus will be removed from the room.
What is the meaning of airborne transmission?
Airborne transmission is defined as the spread of an infectious agent caused by the dissemination of droplet nuclei (aerosols) that remain infectious when suspended in air over long distances and time.
