How to Keep Yourself and Others Safe During COVID-19
In light of recent events regarding COVID-19, the state of California has been put under a Shelter-in-Place. This caused most stores and restaurants to close unless they were considered essential, such as grocery stores. However, there are many ways to stay safe when you need to leave your home to get essential items.
First, wash your hands and do not touch your face with unwashed hands. Make sure to do this after touching items that may be regularly touched by others and after you go to a public place. The CDC recommends washing your hands for 20 seconds, a good way to remember this is to sing Happy Birthday all the way through twice.
If washing your hands is not accessible make sure to use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Spread the sanitizer all over your hands and rub them together until they are dry.
An important thing to do is practice social distancing and stay six feet away from people while in a public setting. Some stores have lines marked so you remember where to go. However, if a store doesn’t, try to stay two carts away from people.
The most important way to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to simply stay home and go out as little as possible, as well as making sure friends and family are staying home as much as they can.
The CDC recommends wearing a face covering whenever in a public setting. A face mask will not protect yourself, but will protect others in case you are infected. Do not use a mask meant for a healthcare worker that is reserved for healthcare professionals helping patients with COVID-19.
Also, make sure to clean and disinfect frequently used items and surfaces. During this time, make sure to look out for others as well as yourself by doing as much as you can to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Faith Harvey is a freshman at Ripon High and this is her first year apart of the Smoke Signal. She wishes to better her writing and improve her photography...
