10 ways to keep yourself COVID-Safe this summer

Summer in Australia is something everyone usually looks forward to. It’s a time for gathering together with family and friends, going on trips and lazing around at the beach. But, of course, COVID-19 changed all this.

Now, even with the easing of COVID restrictions, the emphasis on hygiene and safety remains. Everyone is advised not to let their guard down, in order to stay healthy and avoid contracting the novel coronavirus. To help you do this, here are 10 ways to keep yourself COVID-safe this summer:

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1. Stay away from crowds.

Physical distancing remains one of the foremost rules in preventing virus transmission. When people talk, sing or even breathe, they release respiratory droplets into the air. If any microscopic COVID-infected droplets land on your face, especially the eyes, you could get sick. So try to keep a distance of at least 1.5 metres apart from people who do not belong to your household.

2. Avoid staying in enclosed spaces.

The safest places to be at during this time are your home and out in the open air. You see, if you stay in enclosed, poorly ventilated places, any infected respiratory droplets released into the air can remain there for hours. This is why the risk of contracting the virus is higher in places like restaurants, gyms, clubs, shops, etc.

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3. Wear a face mask.

Face masks help to reduce the spread of the virus by preventing the release of droplets into the air. Depending on the type, face masks can also filter some of the air being breathed in.

Wearing a face mask is crucial when you are in crowded places where physical distancing is next to impossible, such as on trains and buses. If you’re using a fabric face mask, make sure it has 2-3 layers. At Handband, we sell facemasks that are disposable, as well as reusable cloth masks.

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4. Wash your hands properly.

Practising hand hygiene is also one of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of germs and viruses. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This gives the soap time to get to work on removing and destroying the virus.

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5. Use hand sanitiser.

In the absence of soap and water, people are advised to use hand sanitiser containing at least 60% alcohol. Hand sanitisers with the right alcohol content can destroy different types of germs. At Handband, the hand sanitiser we market contains 70% alcohol, so it clearly exceeds the minimum requirement.

6. Don’t touch your face.

Your hands touch many surfaces and can pick up pathogens. If your hands are contaminated, touching your face can bring these pathogens into contact with the eyes, nose and mouth. These are entry points for all types of bacteria and viruses that can make you sick.

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7. Disinfect high-touch surfaces.

Fomites, or materials that can serve as breeding grounds for germs and viruses, are present everywhere. High-touch surfaces like door knobs, handles, remotes and the like can harbour harmful microorganisms and viruses. Make sure you clean and disinfect these items periodically to ensure they are safe.

8. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.

Use disposable tissue (or the crook of your arm when there’s none) whenever you feel the urge to cough or sneeze. Make sure you throw away the used tissue quickly in the appropriate rubbish bin.

9. Enjoy small gatherings.

Spend this time with just your family or a small group of friends. Avoid going to multiple gatherings one after the other, as there may be asymptomatic carriers who can spread the virus without even knowing it. Try to keep a gap of 14 days between gatherings to ensure everyone has a chance to self-quarantine in case they are asymptomatic.

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10. Keep yourself healthy.

A healthy immune system is still the body’s best asset to avoid getting sick. Stick to a balanced diet with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit. Exercise or engage in regular physical activity, and get enough sleep.

Enjoy the summer and be COVID-safe

Keeping you and your family COVID-safe this summer in Australia isn’t a complicated exercise. You need only be mindful of your actions and never let your guard down.

Most of all, follow the above tips and have clean, safe fun.