A handbook of Tips on Personal Protection
Dr.Ameya Hasamnis Dr.Sapna Patil
[MBBS,MD]
[MBBS,MD]
TheCOVID-19pandemichasgrippedtheworld,andweallareworriedaboutoursafety.
OurknowledgeaboutthespreadofSARS-CoV-2virusislimited,andnewguidelinesare issueddailybythemedicalexperts.ThereisanexplosionofinformationaboutCOVID-19 onsocialmedia.Weallareapprehensiveabouttherightwaytoprotectourselvesfrom thisinfection.Asthelockdownperiodcomestoanend,wewillbegoingoutinsociety forwork,andthisisgoingtoincreaseouranxiety.Weneedtotakeproperprecautions toprotectourselvesandourlovedonesfromgettinginfectedwiththevirus.
Thishandbookwillhelpyoutoadapttoanewnormalwithregardstothepreventionof COVID-19 infection in different settings. This book deals with a personal approach to your protection from COVID-19. Following these tips will help minimize the risk of getting infected during social interactions. Please refer to your local government guidelinesformoreinformationonthesematters.
We wish to thank our son Rudra and our mother for motivating us to write this handbook.Thishandbookispublishedingoodfaithandisavailablefreeofcost.
01/05/2020AAHasamnis&SSPatil
One Step Ahead of the Virus
1. SARS-CoV-2 1
2. 2
3. Modes of Spread of SARS-CoV-2 Virus 3
4. Physical distancing 4
5. Personal Hygiene 5
6. Tips for the Elderly and People with other diseases
6
7. Tips for Healthy Children and Adults 7
8. When at Home 8
9. In the Elevator 9
11. Unpacking Grocery Items at Home 11
12. Receiving Parcels by post 11
13. Travel in Trains & Buses 12
14. Personal protection during Air Travel 13
15. Travel in Personal Vehicles / Taxi 14
16. At the Petrol Station & Home Gardening 15
17. At Restaurants, Eateries & bars 16
18. At the Gymnasium & in Public Parks 16
19. Using Public Lavatories 17
22. Sports and Leisure Activities 19
23. Personal Protection in Schools / Universities 20
24. At the Hostel 21
25.
26.
27.
In the of ce
Visit to Hospital/ Dental Clinic
Handling Credit/Debit cards & Bank Notes
22
23
23
SARS-CoV-2
Severeacuterespiratorysyndromecoronavirus2(SARS-CoV-2)isavirusthataffectsthe respiratorytract.SARS-CoV-2isthecausativeorganismforcoronavirusdisease(COVID- 19).SARS-CoV-2isanRNA[RibonucleicAcid]virus,whichisbelievedtobezoonoticin origin.Thesymptomsoftheinfectionmayarisebetween2to14daysafterexposureto the virus. In majority of the individuals, COVID-19 presents with symptoms of sore throat,cough,headache,musclepains,feverwithorwithoutchills&lossofsensationof taste & smell. However, in a few people, it causes breathlessness, pneumonia (lung infection), multi-organ failure and death. The body's response to COVID-19 depends upon the level of immunity of the person. Older adults and people with high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, heart problems, kidney problems and people with immune deficienciesaremorelikelytosuccumbtoCOVID-19ascomparedtohealthyadultsand children.
2
One Step Ahead of the Virus
Currently,thereisnoavailableanti-viraltherapyforthecureofCOVID-19infection,so our best bet is prevention from getting infected. “
”shouldbethemantraofsuccessduringthesedifficulttimes.Youneedtomake decisionsaheadoftimeandalwaysbeawareofyouractionswheninpublic.Bementally prepared and modify your lifestyle with a purpose to prevent COVID-19 infection.
Discipline, hygiene and physical distancing will play a pivotal role in preventing the spreadofSARS-CoV-2.
Protect yourself and protect your family
refersto removalofgerms,dirtandimpuritiesfromsurfaces, thusreducingtheriskofspreadinginfection.
Cleaning/sanitization
referstousingchemicals*tokillgermsonsurfacestofurtherlower theriskofspreadinginfection.
Disinfection
CDCwebsiteondisinfectants:https://www.epa.gov/pesticide- registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2
* For external use only
Modes of Spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus
OurknowledgeofthespreadoftheSARS-CoV-2virusisincreasinggradually,however, as of date of the virus has been confirmed via the following modes:
Person-to-Person spread
Respiratory droplets expelled during talking, coughing, sneezing and exhaling by an infected person. [people at risk are close contacts, family membersofaninfectedpersonandhealthcareworkers]
Droplet spread:
An infected person can
dischargevirusparticlesintheairintheformofdroplets.Thesedropletscansettle downonsurfacesorobjects.[metals,paper,plasticandcardboard]Contactwith thesecontaminatedsurfaces/objectsfollowedbyunknowinglytouchingtheface, mouth,noseandeyescanlodgethevirusinourbody.[allofusareatrisk]
Spread via contact with contaminated surfaces/objects:
4
Physical Distancing [Preventing Droplet Spread]
Avoidallcrowdedspacesandplaces.
Maintainadistanceofatleast1meter(3feet)fromotherperson.
Wearfacemask[homemade]and[disposable]handgloveswhenoutside.
Donotuseafacemaskin
childrenbelowtwotothreeyearsofage peoplewithbreathlessness
unconsciouspersonor
anyotherpersonwhoisunabletotakeitoffonhisown
Facemaskshouldcoverthemouth,thesidesofthefaceandthenostrils adequately.
Donottouchthefacemaskwithuncleanhands.
Usefaceshieldsifavailable.[reserveitforpeopleinthehealthcaresector/high-risk group]
Followpersonalhygienetips,asdiscussedonthenextpage.
Personal Hygiene [Preventing surface spread]
SARS-CoV-2isextremelycontagiousandcanremainactiveonsurfacesforalongtime.
Takingafewconsciousdecisionscanpreventusfromcontractingthevirus.
Washyourhandsforatleast20secondswithsoapandwaterregularly.
The use of alcohol-based sanitizers [60-70% alcohol] is a good alternative while travellingandinanemergency.
Useyournon-dominanthandtoholdontosurfaces.Theelderlycanuseastickfor supportinsteadofsurfacestoholdon.
Usehandgloveswhenoutdoors.Disposeoftheglovesappropriatelyafteruseand washyourhands.
NOhandshakesandNOhugs.
TryconsciouslyNOTtotouchyourfacewithuncleanhandswhenyouareinpublic places/outdoors.
If you need to sneeze or cough, use your bent elbow to cover your nose and mouthoruseatissue.
Keep an extra pair of footwear only for in-house and office use. Try not to wear footwearusedforoutdooractivitieswhenindoors.
Change of clothes and washing of the same is essential after returning from outside.
Cleanyourspectaclesbeforeuse.
6
[Patientswithhypertension,heartproblems,respiratorydiseases,diabetesmellitus, kidneyproblems,cancers,immunity-relateddiseases,onimmune-suppressivedrugsand withotherchronicdiseases]
Minimizesocialcontactbyremainingindoors.
Whereverpossible,availonlinegroceryservicesandhomedeliveryofmedications.
Avoidoutdoorleisureandsportsactivities.
Avoidmeetingyourfriendsandrelativesinperson.
Incaseofcough,coldandfevercontactyourhealthservicesimmediatelyoverthe phone.
Consultyourdoctoroverthephone/onlineplatformforthetreatmentofyour existingdiseases.
Carryawalkingstickinsteadofholdingontosurfacesforsupport.[disinfecthandle andthetipofthestickregularly]
Engageinindooractivitiestokeepyourselfbusy.
Keepawatchonyournutritionandsleepingpattern.[thesearenatural determinantsofyourimmunesystem]
Followallstepsofpersonalhygiene.
Majorityofthechildrenandhealthyadultsmayremainasymptomaticordevelopmild symptoms.
Contacthealthcareservicesifyoudevelopflu-likesymptoms.
Avoidgoingtoworkifyoudevelopflu-likesymptoms.
Avoidsocializingifyousufferfromflu-likesymptoms.
Avoidvisitingyourparentsandgrandparentsfrequentlyandmaintainphysical distancingduringyourvisit.
Regularhomeexercisesmayhelpyoumaintainphysicalandmentalwell-being.
Avoidanykindofleisureandoutdoorsportsactivity.
Maintaininggoodnutritionandahealthysleepingpatternareofutmost importance.
Takeallnecessaryprecautionswhiletravellingandshopping.[childrenshouldnot accompanyadultsforshopping]
Keepintouchwithyourfamilymembers,relativesandfriendsviaonlinemodesof communication.
Maintainadiarytomakeanoteofpeopleyoumeet.[mayhelpincontacttracing]
Practicepersonalhygieneatalltimes.
8 Practicepersonalhygieneatalltimes.
Clean all doorknobs, handles, windowpanes, switches, keys, tabletops, arms of chairs,sinks,toiletsandfloorregularly.
Use a disinfectant containing sodium hypochlorite[bleach].The disinfectant [bleach]shouldbedilutedwithwaterintheratioof1:9.[100mlofdisinfectantin 900mlofwater].Thedisinfectantisforexternaluseonly.
If any family member develops flu-like symptoms, contact the nearest health servicecenter.
Disinfect laptops, keyboards, computer mice, remote controls and phones regularly.
Transfer food received by online delivery in household plates and containers and throwawaythepackagingmaterial.
Deepcleanrefrigeratorsanddeepfreezersregularly.
Minimizeperson-to-personinteractionwithneighbours.
Live-inhelpersandcaregiverscanbeofhelpfortheelderlyandthesick.
Wash clothes in warm water using a detergent and iron your clothes at home if possible.
Availcleaningservicesforcarpetsanddonotdustcarpetsathome.
Restricttheentryofpersonnelforrepairservicestoonetotwopersonsatatime.
[Plumber,ACservice,etc.]
Stayathomeasmuchaspossible.
In the Elevator
Avoid overcrowding in the elevator. Use gloves and face masks while in the elevator.
Designateareasintheelevatorforstandingtoensurephysicaldistancing.
Usetoothpicksandkeystopresstheelevatorbuttons.
When in the elevator, refrain from touching any surface or leaning against the walls.
10 Carryawashablebagforshopping.
Queueupinfrontoftheshop,avoidovercrowdingandmaintainadistanceofat least1meter(3feet).
Ensurethedisinfectionoftheshoppingtrolleyhandlebeforeuse.
Maintainphysicaldistancinginsidethestore.[atleast1meter(3feet)]
Trynottotouchanyunwanteditemswhileinthestore.
Try to arrange all items with price code facing upwards in the trolley to avoid contactatthebillingcounter.
Paybydigitalmode.
Usetoiletsandwashroomsaspertheadvicementionedintherespectivechapters.
Useafacemaskandhandgloveswhileinthestore.
Trynottotouchthefacewithuncleanhands.
Follow Government directives for visiting cinema theaters. [physical distancing &
personalhygieneisofimportance]
Onlineshoppingisabetteralternative.
Donotgooutforshoppingifyouhaveflu-likesymptoms.
CleanyourhandswithasanitizerafteruseoftheATMmachine.
Changeyourclothesafterreturningfromthestore/mall/ATMcentre.
Unpacking Grocery Items at Home
Carryawashablebagforshoppingandwashthebagafteruse.
Throwawaytheplasticcarrybagsbroughtfromthesupermarkets.
Vegetables and fruits: Wash vegetables & fruits under running water or use a vegetablewashifavailable.
Groceries packed in plastic packets, bottles and containers: Clean in soap water beforeopening.
Groceriespackedincardboardandpaperpackets:Throwawaythepackagingand storethecontentsinhouseholdcontainers.
12
Receiving Parcels by Post
Instructdeliverypersonneltoleavetheparcelatyourdoorstep.
Useyourpentosignthedocumenttoconfirmthereceiptoftheparcel.
Useglovestohandletheparcel.
Throwawayallpackagingandwrappingmaterial.
Useanapproveddisinfectantspraybeforeopeningtheparcel.
12
Travel in Trains & Buses
At the train station and bus stop:
Avoidanytravelifyouhaveflu-likesymptoms.
Wearhandglovesandfacemaskswheninpublic.
Maintainadistanceofatleast6feetwhenseatedorstanding.
Trytominimizecontactwithanyhandrailingsandelevatorbuttons.
In the train and bus:
Usedigitalplatformstopayforticketsonthetrainorbus.
Carryyourownsanitizerandwipes.
Followalternateseatingarrangements.
Usealcohol-basedwipestocleanarmsoftheseat.
Minimizecontactwithhandlesandwindows.
Avoidtouchingfacewithuncleanhandswhiletravelling.
Wearafacemaskandhandgloves.
Avoidovercrowdingneartoiletareasintrains.
After travel:
Onreachingyourworkplaceorhome,washyourhandsandface.
Cleanyourhandphonewithalcohol-basedwipes.
Cleanyourofficebagwithanalcohol-basedwipeoradisinfectantspray.
[FollowGovernmentGuidelinesforAdditionalInformation]
:
At the airport
Pleasefollowalltheinstructions,asstatedinchapter13(Atthetrainstationand busstop).
Avoidtravelincaseofflu-likesymptoms.
Reachtheairportearly.
Revealaccurateinformationinthehealthdeclarationform.
In the aircraft:
Continuewearingyourfacemask.
Avoidovercrowdingwhileenteringtheplane.
Cleanthehandlesofyourseatwithanalcohol-basedwipe/sanitizer.
Cleanthetouchscreenandremotecontrol.
Cleanyourtraytable.
Usedisposablecupsforwaterandbeverages.
Avoidovercrowdingnearthelavatoryarea.
Cleanthetoiletseatandwashhandswithsoapandwaterafterusingthelavatory.
After disembarkment:
Followpersonalhygienemeasures.
Disinfecttheexternalsurfacesofyourbags.(includingwheelsandhandles)
4 1
Travel in Personal Vehicles / Taxi
Personal car, motorcycle and bicycle:
Avoidcarpoolingandsharedbikes.
Clean door handles, steering wheel, seats, bike handles and pedals with an alcohol-basedwipe/disinfectantspray.
Cleandisplaypanelsinthecar.
Taxi:
Useafacemaskandhandgloveswhiletravellinginthetaxi.
Beseatedontherearseatontheoppositesideofthedrivertomaintainphysical distancing.
Usedigitalpaymentifpossible.
Avoidtravellingintaxisthatfunctiononasharingbasis.
Donotdeleteyourtravelrecordfromthetaxibookingapp.[canhelpincontact tracing]
At the Petrol Station & Home Gardening
At the Petrol Station:
Usehandglovestohandlefuelpumpdispensers.
Usehandgloveswhileattheairfillingstation.
Usedigitalpaymentifpossible.
Home Gardening:
Alwaysweargardeninggloves.[washtheglovesafteruse]
Throwawaythepackagingofseedsandsoil.
Washpackagingoffertilizersandtheoutersurfaceofpotswithsoapwaterbefore handlingthemforthefirsttime.
Cleanthehandlesofallgardeningtoolsbeforeuse.
Washhandsandfaceaftergardening.
Takeallprecautionstopreventmosquitoandinsectbites.[rememberCOVID-19is nottheonlydisease]
16
CheckGovernmentdirectivesbeforevisitinganyoftheabove.
Avoidill-ventilatedandovercrowdedspaces.
Request for adequate spacing between tables.[open spaces in front of the restaurantscanbeusedtomaintainsocialdistancing]
Avoidsharingtableswithstrangers.
Sitdiagonallyacrossthetabletomaintainphysicaldistancing.
Preferself-serviceoffoodanddrink,wherepossible.
Washhandswithwaterandsoapbeforeyoueatanddrink.
Usehandsanitizerasanalternative.
Usedisposablecups,spoons&forks.
Makedigitalpaymentswhereverpossible.
Utilisetakeaway&drivethroughservicestominimizesocialinteraction.
18
At the Gymnasium & in Public Parks
CheckGovernmentdirectivesbeforevisitinganyoftheabove.
Avoidovercrowdingingymnasiumsandpublicparks.
Carryyourtowel.
Cleanthepanelandhandlesoftheinstrumentsatthegymnasiumbeforeuse.
Minimizecontactwithhandrailingsandbarsinparks.
Alwaysmaintainphysicaldistancingwhenseatedorduringactivities.
Washhandsandfaceafterreturningfromtheseplaces.
Using Public Lavatories
Avoidovercrowdingoutsidethelavatoryarea.
Maintainphysicaldistancingwhilewaitinginthequeue.
Usehandglovesandfacemask.
Disinfecttoiletseatbeforeuse.
Minimizecontactwithfaceinthelavatoryarea.
Washyourhandsandfacewithsoapandwaterafteruseofthefacility.
Discardusedtissuepapersincoveredbins.
Disposeoffusedglovesincoveredbins.
Hotel & Motel Accommodations
CheckGovernmentdirectivesbeforeplanningyourhotel/motelstay.
Cleantheexternalsurfacesofyourbags(includingwheelsandhandles).
Clean frequently touched surfaces that you are likely to come in contact with.
[chairarms,doorknobs,tabletops,remotecontrol]
Availin-roomdiningservices.
Limitexposuretothelobbyarea.
Practicephysicaldistancingintheelevatorandpublicseatingareas.
Refertochapters17&18beforevisitingrestaurant,bar&gymnasium.
18
At the Salon
CheckGovernmentdirectivesbeforevisiting.
Avoidusingtheseservicesincaseofflu-likesymptoms.
Visitbyappointmentonlytoavoidovercrowding.
Ensurethatchairsareplacedinaccordancewithphysicaldistancingguidelines.
Insistontheuseoffacemask/faceshieldbytheserviceprovider.
Insistonappropriatepersonalhygienemeasuresbytheserviceproviderbeforeany procedure[hairstylingetc.]
Insistontheuseofthedisposabletowel.
Ensurethatthefrequentlytouchedsurfacesarecleanedbeforeuse.[armsofthe chair,scissors,etc.]
Avoidtouchingface,nose,mouthandeyeswheninthesalonwithuncleanhands.
Washyourhandsandfaceaftertheprocedure.
Avoidhomevisitationbythesalonserviceprovider.
Makedigitalpaymentswhereverpossible.
Sports and Leisure Activities
Avoidmassgatherings.
Activities like walking, running, jogging, cycling can be enjoyed as per the Governmentdirectives.
Avoidovercrowdingwhileengaginginanyoftheaboveactivities.
Physicaldistancingmustbestrictlyadheredto.
Carryyourwaterbottle.
Try not to touch face, nose, mouth and eyes with unclean hands. Use a clean towel/tissueforthesame.
Avoidindoorplaydatesforchildren.
Followgovernmentdirectivesforplayinggolf,bowlingandforvisitingcasinosand gamingzones.
Swimming can be enjoyed, provided physical distancing is followed. [both inside andoutsideofthepool]
CheckGovernmentdirectivesbeforevisitinganybeacharea.
Followphysicaldistancingatthebeachandavoidovercrowding.
Maintainpersonalhygieneatthebeachrestaurantsandbars.
20
Personal Protection in Schools & Universities
[FollowGovernmentGuidelinesforAdditionalInformation]
Avoidgoingtoschool/universityifyouhaveflu-likesymptoms.
Contacthealthcareservicesincaseofneed.
Always ensure physical distancing when on the campus. [classroom, outdoor activities,labsandinthecafeteria]
Useafacemaskintheschool/universitycampus.
Trynottotouchyourface,nose,mouthandeyeswithuncleanhands.
Washhandsorusesanitizerbeforeenteringtheclass.
Cleantabletops,iPadsandlaptopswithalcohol-basedwipesbeforeuse.
Donotsharepensandpencils.
Carryyourwaterbottle.
Avoidovercrowdingintheelevators.
Wash hands and face with soap water during breaks and follow a queue to the lavatory.
Avoid overcrowded cafeteria and clean tabletops before use with alcohol-based wipes.
Throwawaytissuepaperinclosedbins.
Celebrateeventsinsmallgroups.
Wash hands after handling library books. Maintain physical distancing in the library.
Followtheinstructionsofyourinstituteforanysocial,culturalandsportsactivity.
At the Hostel
[FollowGovernmentguidelinesforAdditionalInformation]
Maintainphysicaldistancinginthehostel.
Usehandglovesandfacemaskswhilegoingout.
Arrangethebedsintheroomtoensurephysicaldistancing.
Avoidanykindofgatheringandgroupactivity.
Restrict outsiders from entering the premise of the hostel. [excluding essential servicepersonnel]
In-roomdiningshouldbepreferred.
Minimizecontactwithfrequentlytouchedsurfacesinareasoutsideyourroom.
Maintainpersonalhygieneatalltimes.
Cleanpanelsofthewashingmachine,phones,switchesandhandrailings.
Ensureregularmoppingofthefloorinyourroomandcorridor.
Avoidovercrowdinginliftsandcorridors.
Followtipsfortheuseoftoilets,asstatedinchapter19.
Informthehealthservicecenteroverthephoneincaseofflu-likesymptomsand stayinyourroomtoavoidcontactwithothers.Waitforadviceforfurtheraction.
22
In the Office
[FollowInstitutionalAdviceforAdditionalInformation]
Avoidgoingtotheofficeifyouhaveflu-likesymptoms.
Contacthealthcareservicesincaseofneed.
SayNOtohandshakesandhugs.
Maintainadiaryofthepeopleyoumeetinaday.[mayhelpincontacttracing]
Alwaysusefacemask.
Washhandswithsoapandwaterbeforeyouenteryourofficecabin.
Keepseparatefootwearforin-officeuseonly.
Arrangetablestomaintainphysicaldistancing.
Sitdiagonallyacrossthetabletoensurephysicaldistancing.
Clean computer mice, keyboards, laptops, door handles, knobs, printer case and tabletopsregularly.
Adapttothecultureofonlinemeetingsduringofficehours.
Engagewithvisitorsbyappointmentsonly.Useafacemaskduringmeetingswith outsiders.
Meetingwithclientscanbeconductedinaseparateroomtoavoidcontactwith theregularofficestaff.
Avoidovercrowdingincafeteriasandrestaurants.[Takebreaksatdifferenttimesto minimizecrowd]
Usedisposablehandgloveswhilehandlingparcelsandwashhandsafterremoval ofgloves.
Minimizegroupsizeforcelebrationsandavoidcallingoutsidersforthesame.
Foruseofthetoilet,refertochapter19.
Travelonlyinemergencycircumstances.
Donotself-medicate.
Alwayscallthehospitalanddentalclinicbeforethevisit.
Inform the doctor/nurse about your problem and reveal any travel or contact historyforCOVID-19infection.
Wearafacemaskandgloveswhilevisitingthehealthcarefacility.
Followphysicaldistancingnormswhilewaitingforyourdoctor.
Ifyouaresufferingfromflu-likesymptoms,informhospitalstaffaboutthesame beforeyourvisit.
Limitthenumberofrelativestravellingwiththepatient.
Makedigitalpayment,ifpossible.
Changeclothesandwashhandsandfaceafterappointmentwiththedoctor.
27
Handling Credit/Debit Cards and Bank Notes
Cleandebitandcreditcardsregularlywithwetwipes.
Paybydigitalplatformwheneverpossible.
Wearhandgloveswhilehandlingbanknotes.
Washhandsafterremovalofhandgloves.
***Avoid mass gatherings @ ***
social events cultural functions religious functions
sports events business meets
***Keep safe distance for a better future***
Forfurtherinformationandguidelines,pleasecontactthelocalhealthauthorities.
Contactdetailsoftheauthors:
Dr.AmeyaA.Hasamnis&Dr.SapnaS.Patil
Email:[email protected]
©2020AAH&SSP
