With the lockdown extended in the country, India fights Corona stronger than ever. Here is a quick read on the latest Coronavirus news and some further tips on Coronavirus prevention/Coronavirus treatment. A popular confusion among the masses is ‘should I wear a mask all the time?’. Read on further for full details on when to wear a mask and also the risks associated with wearing masks.

For those of you who missed it – you can also re-visit the best ways to stay safe from Coronavirus. Also, do not forget that it is very crucial to identify the Coronavirus symptoms in the early stages. The earlier the detection, the better the chances of survival.

As of 20th March 2020, the count of Covid-19 India positive cases has crossed 16,000 with 500+ deaths with Maharashtra being the most affected state with over 3000 cases. In a country of 138 crore population, the lockdown extension decision taken by the central government was the need of the hour. Below are some reminder dos and don’ts that we must all follow through the next 15 days:

1. Clean every single thing that enters your house:

Every physical item could be a potential carrier of the virus. We might tend to overlook risks associated with our everyday products such as newspapers, milk packets, dust bins that are touched by dustmen, grocery items and the bags that we carry these in, etc. These products travel a long way and are touched by many hands in the process before reaching your homes/or the grocery stores. Here are some tips to clean these common products up:

a. Milk Packets:

Carry the milk packets with the tip of two fingers (alternatively with tissues/disposables) and immerse them fully in a bowl of slightly warm water (even better if salt is added to the water). Wash the packets inside this liquid for a good number of seconds and then wash it under running water to finish off.

Note: Milk comes in close contact with the packet corners and edges while pouring it out. So not washing any possible virus traces increases the chances of the virus spreading.

b. Newspapers:

Since you cannot wash a newspaper, it is ideal to not use newspapers at all for a few weeks/months. Digital newspapers are easily available. Alternatively, open all the sheets of paper and leave them open to direct sunlight for at least 3-5 hours (and then wash your hands) before you could get them inside the house to read.

c. Groceries:

Leave the entire bag of groceries out in the sun for at least 3 hours. Alternatively, spread a disposable towel or newspaper to spread the items out. After sun-drying, items that need to be refrigerated and liquid items that cannot be transferred into other boxes/bottles must be washed thoroughly just like the milk packets – before shelving them in the fridge. Next, transfer dry items can be transferred to empty boxes without bringing the packets in contact with the boxes.

d. Fruits and Vegetables:

Fruits and Vegetables are one of the most exposed products since they are stored in the open air on the roads. Apart from the shopkeeper himself, a lot of customers would have touched them multiple times. Make sure you wash them extremely well (most of them can be washed with salt water). Fruits and vegetables with thick, coarse skin have higher chances of carrying dirt, bacteria, and virus. Thus take an extra precautionary measure to soak such ones in salt water (30 mins after it is cooled down after boiling it).

2. If you step out, definitely wear a mask:

Symptoms of Coronavirus can begin to show up from anywhere between 2 days to 14 days. This means that a person affected and positive with Covid-19, might not even show any symptoms for up to 14 days – which is scary! Therefore, until there is no definite Coronavirus treatment, one best way to reduce the chances is to wear a mask every time you step outside. Click here for full details on the types of masks, best masks to wear, when to wear, how to wear, details on reusable and on-time wear masks, and most importantly, the RISKS of wearing masks.

3. Clean the indoors often:

Despite staying indoors during this lockdown in India, you might bring back the virus with you when you return home from grocery shopping/other essentials. Before you wash your hands, you might touch things like your mobile, wallet, belt, clothes, door knobs, taps, bathroom essentials, etc. To be sure not to allow the spread of the virus from these surfaces, clean them frequently with soap water, other disinfectants, sanitizers, or wet cloth – whichever is applicable.

4. Make sure only one person goes out:

Reduce the risk of bringing the virus home by assigning only one person from your house to go out for grocery shopping, essential chores, or emergencies. As soon as this person is back, he/she must preferably have a full body shower (including hair wash). Further, wash every piece of clothing thoroughly and dry it well under open sunlight.

5. Use private vehicles:

Completely avoid cabs, auto rickshaws, buses, trains, etc. Public transports have a very high-risk rate of catching the virus because of the high contact rate with many people. Try to use your own vehicle as much as possible. Once back home, wash/clean the vehicle well, especially the handles, steering, and other parts of the vehicle which come in direct contact with the palms.

6. People with pets:

If you have a pet animal and have no choice but to take it outside for a walk, make sure you take a shower when you are back and also try to wash the dog/animal’s paws which might help reduce the risk of bringing use dog clothes / wash the legs each time after the walk.