How to Stay Safe From COVID-19

by Max Cheng

Since January 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has devastated many countries around the world. COVID-19 is now the 3rd leading cause of death in the US, after heart disease and cancer. The most important thing you can do is to wear masks whenever you are in public!

The country of Taiwan, which as the same population size as Australia, went 18 months with very few cases and had only a few deaths. This was large attributed to the fact that everyone there follows safety protocols and still wears masks. We will have to use masks until at least 70% of people have receive the COVID vaccine.

Here are 10 things you can do to keep you and your family safe from COVID-19:

  1. Wear a face-mask whenever you are around others you do not live with or are in public. This is the most important thing you can do, regardless of whether or not you have been vaccinated.

  2. Get the COVID vaccine if you are 12 years and older. The more people who are vaccinated, the closer we get to ending the pandemic. Also get a flu shot. If you get the flu, that lowers your immune system and increases your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
  3. Avoid non-essential travel, public gatherings, or places where large groups of people congregate.
  4. Stay 6 feet away from others. Remember that some people who have COVID-19 have few symptoms but are still contagious.
  5. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  6. Stay home if you are sick.
  7. Cover your coughs and sneezes.
  8. Avoid sharing personal household items.
  9. Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.
  10. Clean and disinfect all commonly used surfaces and high-touch surfaces every day.

    Commonly used surfaces include door handles, faucet handles, countertops, light switches, all bathroom surfaces including the sink, toilet, toilet handle, and shower areas, as well as cabinet handles and appliance handles. Experts suggest washing higher surfaces before washing lower ones. For example, clean counters and sinks before floors and toilets. High-touch surfaces also include electronics such as phones, tablets, remote controls, and keyboards. You should follow manufacturer instructions to clean and disinfect these devices. If guidance is not available, use disinfecting wipes or spray that contains at least 70% alcohol. Eyeglasses should be cleaned with hot water and soap.