How should I protect myself from COVID19 at home?

Personal protective equipment is not just for frontliners battling COVID19 and other infectious diseases.

The pandemic has made the need for PPE even greater, especially in the home. Sanitizers have proven their worth to ensure contamination free deliveries of food and boxes of stuff.

But, is it always necessary? What should you absolutely wear and what should be avoided?

Food and Groceries

When handling food and groceries at home, many have come up with formulas to wash their produce and sanitize other packages.

Fruits and vegetables are considered to be safe from transmitting the COVID19 causing virus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

When it comes to the question of boxed goods, whether from the grocery store or home delivery – containing food or other products – the WHO again recommends safely washing your hands with soap and water prior to handling the material. If you don’t have them nearby, then a sanitizing spray may be used to disinfect the package.

Which Sanitizer will help kill the coronavirus?

If you suspect someone has COVID19 or they have tested positive, then it is necessary to sanitize your surroundings. Using sanitizing spray and sanitizing wipes and containing 70% or more of ethanol or ethyl alcohol will help you clean and disinfect your home, in this case.

Wipe it down on surfaces such as tables, chairs, desks, knobs, and other areas that have the possibility of transmission.

Basic Facts of Coronavirus Safety

The coronavirus needs an organic aka living organism in order to transmit itself or multiply. This is why disinfecting food packaging or deliveries, while considered ‘playing it safe,’ is unnecessary – based on the latest data from the WHO.

Wearing a mask, maintaining social distance and opting for contact-free delivery is more important in terms of protecting yourself from the virus than anything else.

What to do if you suspect someone in the home has COVID19

You should definitely wear a mask that has a comfortable fit and covers your nose. There are a wide variety of KN95 masks, 3 ply masks, and even NIOSH approved N95 masks available for your personal and workplace needs.

In addition, if any member of your household is traveling frequently, then it becomes essential to maintain social distancing from them, even within the home.

While each case will differ, these are the suggested guidelines by the CDC. If someone is known to have COVID19, then they should be isolated in a separate room and should not be preparing meals or having meals with others. If they sneeze or cough, it should be covered. They should discard all these materials in a lined trashcan.

Also, it is advisable for them to wear a mask throughout the day.

Please visit the CDC website for detailed instructions.