How to Stay Safe During the Coronavirus Crisis?

The numbers that are coming in from different parts of the United States are currently presenting a grim picture, quite in sync with what has been going on around the world. Just 7 days into April 2020 and the coronavirus COVID-19 has already claimed over 10,000 US lives.And although President Trump stated that the first week of April is going to be the country’s toughest, we cannot expect this virus to completely recede any time soon. All we can do right now, as individuals, is to stay safe and keep our family safe and continue with our lives in the best way possible during this crisis. Here are a few life-saving tips for you.

. Acknowledge the seriousness of this disease

The COVID-19 may not be as deadly as Ebola or Zika but it is highly contagious. This is a disease that can be transferred through our respiratory tracks from the very air we breathe in or our hands that we use to wipe our faces. And people of all ages stand at risk as the infection, when acute, requires life support and all countries are running out of ventilators to provide to patients. There is simply no reason to think that anyone is immune. Acknowledging the seriousness will lead to safety habits.

. Maintain social distancing at all cost

Social distancing has proven to be an effective step to create a shield against the coronavirus. When you avoid touch or being in close vicinity with other people, the virus becomes incapable of traveling the distance that you are maintaining. This is why Family Auto has imposed stringent social distancing norms in all its buy here pay here car lots where most of the processing is done online and appropriate distance is maintained during your dealership visits. We have stopped shaking hands as well.

. Wash your hands as frequently as possible

In an unsettling claim, scientists have found out that the COVID-19 virus can survive on soft surfaces like paper for a few hours which increases to 3-4 days when the surface is hard like your phone or table. That means the money you use to buy groceries is now a potential threat combined with the phone you touched while you are outside. To mitigate, wash your hands as frequently as possible with soap and water and avoid touching your face every now and then.
With this schedule in place, there is no need to live in paranoia.

. Reduce your outdoor visits

You are at the highest risk of catching the COVID-19 infection when you are outside. People with the virus still in incubation have no idea that they have the disease and are thus, not quarantined yet as the symptoms are not showing. Go out only when it is extremely essential. Conduct all other businesses online. For instance, in our used car dealership in Greenville, South Carolina, we give our customers virtual tours of our fleet and send all paperwork over email. The only time you have to come in is to take delivery and sign the papers.

. Avoid ignoring your cough and cold as flu

It might be flu but the COVID-19 has similar initial symptoms during its early stages. If you are indeed having flu-like symptoms, quarantine yourself at home immediately. Do not come in contact with your family and keep a tab on your symptoms. If you are experiencing breathing difficulty after a few days, it is time to get a test done. Flu will heal with rest without escalating further. Again, do not ignore your symptoms. Right now, you are the best judge of your health with almost all doctors being busy. Identify and take strict precautions.