While COVID-19 cases being reported on a daily basis continue to rise, people can significantly reduce chances of getting infected by taking simple precautions.
Nearly five months after the World Health Organization (WHO) categorised the outbreak of the novel coronavirus as a ‘pandemic’, the count of people infected by COVID-19 globally stands at 1.8 crore. The death toll from COVID-19, the disease by the virus, stands at over 7 lakh across the world as people stick to COVID-19 prevention measures.
India has registered over 19 lakh COVID-19 cases, including 39,795 deaths. While some states have shown clear signs of recovery, others are beginning to register a rise in cases being reported on a daily basis.
Yet, people can significantly reduce the chances of getting infected by taking simple precautions.
Here’s how to reduce chances of getting infected by COVID-19:
> Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or sanitiser or wash them with soap and water. This would kill viruses that may be on your hands.
> Maintain at least 2 metre (around six feet) distance between yourself and others. This is because, when someone coughs, sneezes or speaks they spray small liquid droplets (aerosols) from their nose or mouth which may contain the COVID-19 virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the virus if the person has been infected.
> Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes. Your hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Thus, once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your mouth, nose or eyes from where the virus can enter your body and infect you.
> Avoid going to crowded places.
> If you develop symptoms such as cough, headache and mild fever, which are linked to the COVID-19 infection, stay home and self-isolate until you recover. Contact a doctor or seek formal medical advice. Check the state-wise helpline numbers here.
> Wear a face mask while leaving your house.
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Source: World Health Organization and India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
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