As we return to “in-person” school this week, it is of vital importance to know how to keep yourself, your friends, and your family safe. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a particularly scary virus because it is hard to know if one has it and it can spread like a wildfire.
According to Cliff Mehrtens, Senior Public Relations Specialist at Novant Health, one of the most effective ways to keep yourself safe is to minimize contact with people you are not living with, especially if you may know they haven’t been keeping safe.
Now, more than probably ever, hygiene is of utmost importance. This includes always washing hands, and if you don’t have access to a sink with soap, make sure to use hand sanitizer. According to the CDC, when using hand sanitizer, you need to make sure it is at least 60% alcohol otherwise it is not effective.
Another one of the best ways to stay safe when being with others is to keep a mask on. Mehrtens also says to always stay at least six feet away to make sure you are staying as safe as possible.
Finally, before going out with your friends and family, or coming to school, the CDC says to always make sure that you don’t have any of these eleven symptoms: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
According to the CDC, if you do have any of these more severe symptoms: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to stay awake, or bluish lips or face, make sure to get medical treatment immediately.
