To stock up or not to stock up! As news channels report stories of hand sanitizer, toilet paper and food shortage etc., stocking up these essential items may seem like the right thing to do. In fact, many of us have been pondering this very question as the end of the pandemic seems nowhere in sight.
As the lockdown draws to a close and the government eases its restrictions, we need to proceed with caution as the danger is not yet over. In fact, as the economy re-opens, living with COVID-19 may just be the new normal.
So, even as we step out and try to resume our regular activities, there are certain precautions that we must continue to take. Staying protected and safe even as you move around in a post-quarantine world will require the right tools and the right measures.
So, here is a list of 5 Essentials you must keep with you to stay safe during the COVID-19 outbreak:
1. Hand Sanitizers and Anti-Bacterial Wipes
Your hands come in contact with several foreign objects that can act as carriers for the virus. This means that you are at risk of infection every time you step out. So, whether you are bringing in the newspaper every morning or stepping out to buy groceries from your local store, using a strong anti-bacterial sanitizer is a must to ensure that you don’t bring disease-carrying germs inside.
If you are travelling to work, make sure that you sanitize properly after using public transport including the metro, taxis, buses and even office elevators.
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2. Pulse Oximeter
As the coronavirus continues to spread, people are turning to a small device called a pulse oximeter and the demand has spiked to such an extraordinary scale that online portals have sold more oximeter in the last 2 months than ever before. So, what is it and why do you need it?
A pulse oximeter is a small electronic device that estimates the saturation of oxygen in your blood. You want a number in the 95% to 100% range. If the number drops to 92% or lower, that’s a cause for concern. That’s generally the level where a doctor might put you on supplementary oxygen and keep you in the hospital for observation.
Should you get one? Just as you track fever using a thermometer, a pulse oximeter at home can help you keep track of your oxygen levels and a oxygen level below 92% might signal that you’re in trouble before you realize it.
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3. Face Mask
Acting as a shield against both infection and transmission, face masks are an essential accessory to be kept on whenever you step outside. As health advisories inform us that the virus can also be transmitted through air, you must keep your face mask on in public places. As per the reports, a sneeze from an infected person can discharge respiratory droplets that can travel up to 6 feet in the air. The virus is further spread via aerosol transmission, as these respiratory droplets turn into lighter droplets that can stay suspended in the air for longer. This is why practising social distancing is so important in the battle against COVID-19.
Long story short, wearing a mask helps protect both you and everyone who comes into contact with you. So, remember to put on a mask before your step out and keep it on till you are back home again.
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4. Warm Water, Food and Snacks
If you feel hungry when you are out or at work, eating out may not be the best option. The same goes for drinking water from communal water coolers or unverified sources. This means that you should always carry homemade food along with a bottle of warm water that can last you the entire day. Try to avoid ordering food from outside and if you have to do it then order food only from places with certified hygiene and security standards.
5. Aarogya Setu App on Your Phone
One tool that you need to keep on your phone is the Aarogya Setu If you haven’t installed it already, do it now as this app is playing an instrumental role in India’s fight against the coronavirus. We all know that despite taking all precautions an accidental touch or contact can still expose us to the infection. However, the ability to track an infected patient’s steps helps identify virus clusters and sources of contraction. It further helps the authorities identify the people that the infected person has been in contact with and quarantine them and catch the infection in time.
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After all, Atamanirbhar Bharat also depends on its citizens cooperating with each other to combat the virus that has brought our country to a standstill. Right now, India has an extremely high rate of recovery and as citizens, it’s our duty to do what we can to keep it that way.
So, do you think we missed anything on our list? How has the ongoing situation affected you? Let us know in the comments sections below.