Despite the reduction in media coverage and the easing of lockdowns around the world, COVID-19 is still very much at large and just as lethal as it was at the outset. And while we cannot afford to pause business any longer (the economy has suffered a real hit and many businesses shut down this year due to lack of customers), we can stop the virus from infecting others by taking the appropriate safety measures. However, before we discuss precautions, we need to understand what the coronavirus really is and how it works.
The coronavirus disease or COVID-19 for short is an infectious disease caused by the virus. Most people who get infected experience mild symptoms such as a dry throat, coughing, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. However, the mortality rate for the virus is quite low and an overwhelming majority of the people who got infected recovered fairly quickly. Additionally, the people that did die were mostly old or had a history of lung problems such as smoking or asthma.
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The virus is transmitted by droplets generated when an infected person sneezes or coughs. However, owing to their weight, they are not capable of sustaining themselves mid-air and fall to the ground as soon as they are launched. You can catch the virus if you are in close proximity to the infected person or if you touch a contaminated place and then touch your face.
Safety precautions everyone MUST take
Now that we know how the virus is transmitted, here is how we stop it from spreading.
- Maintain social distancing of about 6ft
As mentioned earlier, the virus falls to the ground quickly. As long as you steer clear of the blast radius of an infected nose, you should be fine. Of course, we have no way of knowing which nose is infected. So, just steer clear of everyone. Always try to explore remote ways of interaction through the internet and meet in person only if absolutely necessary.
- Do NOT take facemasks lightly
Once you are in personal space of anyone. The only line of defense you have against the coronavirus is your facemask. Wear it tightly all times, especially when in close quarters with people. Facemasks are only effective when they are clean, so make sure to wash them or change them regularly.
- Use Plexiglas sneeze guards as barriers between you and your customers.
The only way this virus spreads is through droplets carrying the virus. If you establish an impenetrable barrier between you and the public, then no amount of sneezing or coughing could reach the other side of said barrier. Plexiglass sneeze guards are inherently tough and are perfect for use in a retail environment. You can purchase quality sneeze guards made out of plexiglass from Fab Glass and Mirror along with other glass products your business may need. Fab Glass and Mirror is one of the best glass suppliers in the United States with a credible reputation and a vast portfolio of high-quality and durable glass products. You can rest easy after buying these sneeze guards and concentrate on serving your clients better without the fear of catching the virus.
- Wash your hands using antibacterial soap
The next most common way of transmission after inhalation is touching with your hands. Like it or not, any contaminated place you touch turns your hands into an effective carrier for the disease until sterilized. Therefore, it is essential to wash your hands at regular intervals throughout the day, especially after you return from a trip outside. Also, carry a hand sanitizer with you whenever you’re outside as you cannot rely on public restrooms. Avoid touching your face until you are absolutely sure your hands have not come into contact with any contaminated material since the last time you washed or sanitized them.
- Never take the virus lightly!
It is true that the mortality rate of the virus is quite low and usually people recover on their own without any special treatment. However, let us not forget this virus has caused around a million deaths across the globe and over 200,000 deaths in the United States alone. Even if the virus poses little to no threat to healthy adults and children, we may become carriers of that disease and infect someone close to us who is actually vulnerable to the virus. Countries are putting their differences aside and uniting into one single global community to combat the disease and we as citizens and as humans must play our part. Only through cooperation and compassion for those suffering or those that are vulnerable can we hope to brave the storm and emerge a better version of ourselves.
For now, all you can do as an individual is follow the above precautions and do whatever it takes to stop the spread of the coronavirus so we can flatten the curve and release some of the pressure from a currently overburdened healthcare system. It is no longer necessary to stay home, but it is necessary to be prepared. Stay safe!
