The Coronavirus pandemic took the world by storm. No one expected 2020 to start out this way. But here we are, facing a full blown global pandemic with no end in sight.

Being a Nigerian at this time is very hard. Because not only has the government not provided adequate palliative measures to weather the dire effects of the pandemic, but they have also kept extending the lockdown, as if families are not suffering enough as it is already.

So I totally understand if you’re among those who have to get up every morning of the lockdown and head out to seek survival outside the comfort and safety of their homes. There is also the category of those others who have just about had it with the whole staying indoor thing. They’re terribly bored, they want to get out, they want to feel the sun on their face once again and breathe the air of freedom.

If you find yourself in any of these categories, I want you to know that you’re not alone. I totally understand your plight, that is why I have written this post just for you! So that while you’re busy having a taste of freedom or seeking survival, you can also stay safe.

So settle in and read.
These clever tips will help you stay safe in public places during this Covid-19 pandemic.

1. Always wear RECOMMENDED face masks

Notice the emphasis on recommended? These days, every Tom, Dick and Harry now produces facemasks – designer ones even. It doesn’t do to just wear any facemask and hope you’re protected. Some of these non-recommended face masks cause more harm than good to your health because most of them don’t have proper filters, making it very difficult to breathe through, hence, reducing oxygen intake.
So get facemasks recommended by WHO and wear them whenever you’re heading out.

2. Avoid public gatherings

It’s okay to want to go out to public places during this pandemic, but what is not okay is mixing up with a large group of people while you’re at it. No, that is not okay.
Not only will you be putting yourself in danger of contracting the virus if you do so, you’d also be exposing those at home who are obediently observing the lockdown to the virus.
So during your outing, try as much as possible to avoid going to places where many people are gathered.

3. Wash hands with soap and hot water after every outing

If you must go out, then you should cultivate the habit of washing your hands first with soap and hot water after every outing. What this means is that when you come back home, you should wash your hands before you touch anyone or interact with anything in the house – yes, even the door knobs! You can get soap and water ready and place them somewhere you can get to them before even entering the house. By doing that, you’ll be protecting yourself and everyone else in the house from exposure to the virus.

4. Protect your phones and other gadgets from surfaces and people

Your phone is for your personal use only and you should make it stay that way whenever you are in a public place. You must learn to avoid handing it out to random strangers or even friends who might want it for calls or sharing files. If, however, you decide to flout this rule, then you should totally disinfect the phone using disinfecting wipes after it has been handed back to you. This is to ensure you’re not exposed to the virus if the person you handed your phone over to is a carrier.

Another smart practice is to watch the surfaces you place your phones and gadgets on, you can never be too careful. If you can help it, it’s best to avoid placing your phone on any surface while outside. You can get a small pouch and put your phone and all your other gadgets in it if they’re too bulky to carry.

5. Maintain social distancing at all times

Maintaining social distancing is paramount at all times. You should avoid unwholesome greeting practices, especially ones which require touching and closeness. This means no hugs, no handshakes, no kisses, no cuddly pleasantries, none of that. Doing this may well breed awkward scenarios, I know, but you have to take this rule very seriously, and shun those friends who are very carefree and will want to hug or shake your hand anyway. You can greet them verbally or wave or whatever but just maintain your distance.

6. Seek cashless alternatives

If you’re a businessman/woman who still conducts business during the pandemic, insist on other alternatives to cash payments. Conduct businesses strictly through online money transfer. The only cash you should keep with you are those for minor spending-transport fare, common household needs, etc., and they are to be for payouts only, meaning you should have the right currency denominations for this and should not expect any change back.

7. Lastly, stay at home

The best way to stay safe during this coronavirus pandemic is to stay at home and avoid public places. It’s lockdown not gallivanting time. There’s a reason it’s called a lockdown, and it is for the good of everyone.
So before you think of running off into the sunset and fulfilling your outdoor fantasies, think of everyone your selfish act will be putting to harm. You must ask yourself if it is really necessary to go to that place you’re preparing to go to, and when you have weighed your options and seen that it’s not, please just stay at home and wait it out like everyone else. If anyone has ever died from boredom alone, I’m yet to hear of it. Give yourself a good dose of exercise at least once daily and you’ll be fine.

I hope you have really benefitted from this wealth of information. It’s my little way of saving the world, one Covid-19 post at a time.

Stay safe!

Source: https://classichippo.com/coronavirus-tips-7-practical-ways-to-stay-safe-if-you-must-go-out-in-public/

Lalasticlala Seun